Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949
Brentwood, Essex
Brentwood Community Hospital was founded in 1934 by the collective efforts of Brentwood residents. Brentwood community leaders hosted sporting contests, plays, social events, and raffles to raise funds for building the hospital.
The Friends now run a small convenience shop near the hospital reception for use by the public attending for all outpatient services; also for inpatients of the four wards, and their visitors, as well as the hospital staff. They sell drinks, snacks and other food together with greetings cards and other novelties like teddy bears.
Brentwood District Hospital officially opened by Princess Helena Victoria, thanks to Brentwood town raising £40,000
The Friends provide 2 services for the hospital, a small refreshment bar for the outpatient department and a Guide who directs patients to the department they were seeking.
The hospital closed and the Friends group remained dormant until Brentwood Community Hospital was rebuilt in 2008.
During Covid Friends requested donations of craft materials and toiletries so that they can make up gift bags for each patient in the hospital at Easter.
Listen 00:07:40
Story: Dave and Christine Woskett - Brentwood
Listen 00:19:09
Story: Barbara Wren - Brentwood, Essex