Christopher ward February 1999. MAC image
Christopher ward February 1999. MAC image reference CHA HEA HOS 6b
Christopher ward February 1999. MAC image reference CHA HEA HOS 6b
Through the decades the care of the sick has been the responsibility of:
- religious communities
- military establishments
- locally financed bodies.
This brief exhibition looks at the histories of institutions which provided comfort and care in Medway.
It is also a small tribute to the men and women whose work and dedication has helped shape the health service of today.
If you would like to know more email malsc@medway.gov.uk.
Image: Christopher Ward, February 1999. MAC image reference CHA HEA HOS 6b
Sir John Hawkins Knight Hospital
The hospital was founded by Sir John Hawkins as place of rest and respite for naval seamen.
The Poor Law and workhouses
In 1750, The Poor Law was brought in. It was designed to:
- provide work for the able-bodied
- care for the old, sick and needy
- train children in a skill.
Public Health Act
The 1848 Public Health Act was created to try and help with health and sanitation in the UK. The Board of Health once received a report from Chatham's local health board.
St Bartholomew’s Hospital
Originally, St. Bartholomew's (St. Bart's) was a leprosy hospital. It had to be built outside of the city walls as patients were not allowed in public. The hospital operated until 2016.
Fort Pitt Hospital
Fort Pitt Hospital was built at the start of the 19th century and named after the Prime Minister William Pitt.
Melville Hospital Chatham
The Melville Hospital was built in Chatham as a naval hospital. It cost £70,000 to build (about £9 million today).
Royal Naval Hospital
The Royal Naval Hospital was originally built to care for the growing numbers of naval staff in Medway. This hospital still stands today as the Medway Maritime Hospital.
All Saints' Hospital
Previously known as The Medway Hospital and The County Hospital, All Saints' Hospital was mainly housed in some of the original workhouse buildings on Magpie Hall Road.
George Mann Burrows
George Mann Burrows started his career as an apothecary's apprentice. He went on to become the chairman of the Association of Surgeon-Apothecaries.
Sidney Bernard
Sidney Bernard was an extraordinary man who died from yellow fever at just 27.
Florence Potter
Florence Potter was one of Britain's first health visitors. Her work with the poor in Chatham was commended.
References
To see a detailed list of all of the references used for these articles, visit the references page.