The Story of a Hospital

By Wilfrid Edgecombe, M.D., F.R.C.P., F.R.C.S.

The history of the Harrogate and District General Hospital

Far-sighted move

A vacant plot of land adjoining the hospital on the east side of Swarcliffe Road was purchased in 1942 for £1,000. It was a wise and farsighted move, for it was contemplated that it might be made available for the erection in the future of an out-patients' department or other purpose. It remained, however, unused until 1954, when after interminable negotiations with the Regional Board and the Ministry, permission was obtained to convert it into a car park, the cost being defrayed out of endowment funds. It has proved of the greatest benefit in doing away with the intolerable congestion of waiting cars in the narrow Swarcliffe Road.

In 1943 the sum of £1,000 accrued to the hospital from a pantomime, "The Babes in the Wood" promoted by Mr J E Wilshire, the manager of the Royal Hall.

The matron, Miss G Lingwood, resigned after 14 years' service. Miss P Thompson was appointed to succeed her, and continues to hold office up to the present time.