Ashford Hospital

Ashford Hospital

Proposed Rural Hospital at Ashford

A scheme is under consideration for the establishment in the neighbourhood of Ashford of one of those excellent institutions which have been found so valuable at Cranleigh, Tewkesbury, and elsewhere. Sir Edward Hoare, Bt. Mr. C.Pemberton Carter, and Mr. John Furley are prepared to undertake the establishment of a hospital of this kind at Ashford, and it is to be hoped that their benevolent exertions will be crowned with complete success. The last report of the trustees of the Cranleigh Village Hospital contains the following statement :- The simplicity of the domestic arrangements and the comfort of being within easy reach of relations and friends, as well as the quiet of a private room, and the home feeling which prevails throughout the hospital add materially to the popularity of the institution in its own immediate district; and, combined with a certain amount of liberty, more than can be accorded to the inmates of larger hospitals, has an influence which certainly aids in the recovery of many of the patients.
Source: The Builder 1869 Vol XXVII 9th January 1869 p.035
Submitted by Alan Longbottom.

Cottage Hospitals - Ashford Kent
A cottage hospital is about to be established in Ashford, Kent, at the cost of Sir Edward Hoare, Bt. and other influential residents, to provide for the
treatment of the poor, during illness, as nearly as possible with the surroundings of their own cottage home, but with better sanitary appliances,
more skilful nursing, and more liberal diets than can be obtained by them under ordinary circumstances.
Some cottages and other property in Ashford have been taken for the purpose, and plans prepared by Mr. Thomas Henry Watson of London, for the necessary alterations to carry out the above objects. The alterations proposed are not considerable. Mr. Watson reported that it is desirable in such works to keep constantly in mind the importance of not destroying the cottage style of the building, and of maintaining the homely feeling of the poor when treated in small rooms, instead in the large wards of county or metropolitan hospitals.
Good ventilation and supervision, together with separation of the sexes, are indispensable. The works are to be carried out under the direction of Mr. Wm. King of Ashford, as local superintendent.
Source: The Builder 1869 Vol XXVII 18th September 1869 p.749
Submitted by Alan Longbottom.