Marlow Community Hospital took a trip down memory lane this week as it celebrated its 100th birthday.

More than 40 guests who have had various connections with the hospital were invited by the League of Friends to celebrate in the hospital gardens on Tuesday (yesterday).

Staff past and present, patients, trustees and many more gathered for food and drink in the hospital garden that had recently been refurbished thanks to the fundraising efforts of the League of Friends.

A historical stand was erected, featuring old medical instruments, and the 100-year-old key that was used by war hero, General Higginson, to open the hospital in 1915.

Guests remembered the hospital’s royal connections, as the key was used once again in 1991 by Princess Diana to open the new hospital extension.

Bucks Free Press:

Royal visit in 1991.

Chairman of the League of Friends, Hilary Walsh said: “The community hospital means so much to the local people.

“This is a great opportunity to get everyone together and celebrate the work that everyone has put in.”

A series of heartfelt speeches were given, in which director of the Buckinghamshire Health Care Trust, David Williams, reflected on the hospitals journey since it opened.

He also took the opportunity to thank the League of Friends for everything they had done and described it as a ‘privilege’ to celebrate the hospitals centurion birthday.

Marlow town mayor, Bob Johnson also took the chance to praise the hospital, saying: “It has played such an integral part of Marlow’s Community and its evolution has been so sympathetically blended to meet both the patients and Marlow’s specific needs.”

Bucks Free Press:

Marlow Community Hospital pictured in 1915.

Marlow Community Hospital is part of Buckingham Healthcare NHS trust and cares for patients who require additional support to regain general health and strength before returning home, and transitional care for patients awaiting placement in a nursing home.