Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949
In 1881 Richard Streatfield, Squire of Uckfield donated a house and grounds to the town to be used as a hospital and it continued to expand during the first half of the 20th century.
As Uckfield and its surroundings grew, the hospital required radical alterations to keep pace. The alterations were uneconomical and this led to Robert Manby forming the League of Friends to assist in providing equipment and improvements.
It became evident that the original buildings were no longer fit for purpose, so a local resident, Mr Arthur Hughes, offered to donate one million pounds to build a new operating theatre. The NHS did not think this was a long term solution so they suggested that they would build a new hospital if the League of Friends matched the one million pound donation. The League raised the money in record time and the newly built hospital was opened in 1994 , and provided up to date healthcare services including minor injuries, out patients, x-ray, surgical and many other facilities.
The range of services has extended over the subsequent years and the League continue to support the hospital patients, staff and visitors, thanks to the continuing generosity of the people of Uckfield and the surrounding areas,
Richard Streatfield, Squire of Uckfield donated a house and grounds to the town to be used as a hospital and it continued to expand during the first half of the 20th century
As Uckfield and its surroundings grew, the hospital required radical alterations to keep pace. The alterations were uneconomical and this led to Robert Manby forming the League of Friends to assist in providing equipment and improvements.
It became evident that the original buildings were no longer fit for purpose so a local resident, Mr Arthur Hughes, offered to donate one million pounds to build a new operating theatre. The NHS did not think this was a long term solution so they suggested that they would build a new hospital if the League of Friends matched the one million pound donation. The League raised the money in record time and the newly built hospital was opened in 1994, and provided up to date healthcare services including minor injuries, out patients, x-ray, surgical and many other facilities.
The friends purchased a wide range of items for the hospital including dental equipment, flat screen televisions, ECG patient monitor, toy storage boxes for the children’s area and provided the funds for alterations and improvement work to provide a womens’ health area.
The League started their 100+ club which plays a very important role in their fundraising. The cost of this is only £1 per month i.e £12 per annum and there are monthly prize draws of £20, £15 and £10 together with twice yearly bonus draws of £75 and a Christmas bonanza draw of £100. The League also built an extension to create a day room and purchased a small amount of land to create a staff only, free carpark to support staff at the hospital.
During Covid the League helped by providing treats for the hardworking staff, and they also supported St Wilfred’s Hospice by supplying special medication pumps. They renewed and replanted the flower beds on the approach to the hospital, ran quiz nights to raise funds and supported a project bringing live music to people with dementia.
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Story: Chris Bendall - East Sussex, Uckfield