Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949
Ashbourne, Derbyshire
St Oswalds Hospital was built in 1848 originally as a Union Workhouse for the poor. In 1930 it became the Ashbourne Public Assistance Institution and then in 1948 was made part of the NHS as St Oswalds Hospital.
The hospital had two wards which accomodated just over 80 patients from the local area and there was a gardener who grew seasonal vegetables for the hospital.
The hospital has changed dramatically over the years and now has one ward and several single wards along with an out patients department, clinical rooms and a weekend minor injuries unit. They have some of the finest equipment available.
The League of Friends was registered in 1992 and they raised funds to support patient care, buy equipment and fund social engagements and outings. They ran a trolley shop
Listen 00.06.24
Story: Marion Seery - Ashbourne, Derbyshire