DHU Healthcare was proud to be take part in celebrations that marked the 100th anniversary of Rutland Memorial Hospital.
DHU provide some of the urgent care services at the eye-catching hospital and we were invited to host a stall on the day to explain more about what we do, how it helps patients at Rutland and more about DHU as a not-for-profit, Community Interest Company.
There were around 10 organisations represented in the hospital grounds on Saturday, August 17, between 11am to 4pm to celebrate 100 years since the historic building was built to commemorate those who lost their lives in battle during the First World War.
A part of History
Carl Keeble (pictured above centre with DHU's Operations Manager Jane Petcher (left) and Transport Manager Heidi Stevens (right)) is DHU’s Clinical Service Lead, he said: “We’ were honoured to be asked and jumped at the chance to help celebrate such an historic occasion, an incredible building and a piece of NHS history. At DHU we have a proud tradition of supporting our friends in the armed forces, recognising our own colleagues who have and currently serve, so that connection we have with Rutland Memorial Hospital is a very poignant one.
“As a provider of NHS services, including urgent care provision at this very hospital, and a community interest company we are also very proud of our community links. This building is more than just a hospital to those who live here, it is a part of history, a part of the local community and being able to share that together is the recognition it so richly deserves.”
DHU provides care at the Rutland Walk-In Injuries Service from Monday to Friday between 10am and 6pm. They also provide a GP out of hours service from 6.30 to 9pm during the week as well as between 9am and 7pm on Saturday and Sunday bookable via GP practices or 111. A Home Visiting service is also run by DHU with a dedicated vehicle operating out of Rutland Memorial Hospital.
“Much loved part of the Community…”
Carla Yaxley, ward manager for the inpatient ward, added: “Our hospital is a valued and much-loved part of the community, and we wanted to share this anniversary with the local community. It has served generations of Rutland residents and been a worthy memorial to those who died in the war.
“We were pleased to be able to give local residents a picture of the variety of services which take place now at the hospital and give some insight into the work of the various teams who call Rutland Memorial their home.”
A plaque at the hospital says: “The Rutland County Hospital. Opened 1924. Erected to the honoured and loved memory of the men who in the terrible years of war 1914-1918 gave their lives for their country and their souls to God.”
Richard Cole, the High Sheriff of Rutland, cut a celebration cake to open the event, pictured below. As well as an inpatient ward, the hospital is home to a GP surgery, a minor injuries unit, an x-ray department, and provides a wide range of outpatient clinics for physical and mental health issues.
In 2023 the hospital underwent a £1.5m refurbishment programme to repair leaks, replace ageing boilers, make patient areas more comfortable, and to introduce more efficient lighting. It is currently owned and run by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust on behalf of the NHS as a whole.
