The Sidmouth Hospital
In 1948 the Sidmouth hospital comforts fund was launched with the purpose of providing a maternity unit, physiotherapy department and alterations to the main building which was formally opened in 1962. In 1989 the comforts fund planned a 5 phase development which have involved the new operating theatres, X-Ray department, and major in-patient bed changes.
The phase 5 of the development is planned in the future which will involve a new physiotherapy unit kitchen and entrance. The most recent development has just been completed under the Chairmanship of Graham Vincent, which has provided single and double in-patient facilities and consultation rooms on the site of the old Mallinson unit. Local people have donated in excess of £3,000,000 since 1990. The comforts fund is a registered charity No. 213425.
May cottage the initial Sidmouth Hospital was opened in 1885 with 4 beds. Colonel Balfour then donated the land on the opposite side of the road to build the current hospital in 1890. At the time it was recommended that the admission charge was 2 shillings and sixpence for each patient per week. Later Queen Victoria granted permission for her name to be used for this 10 bed hospital.
The Sidmouth Victoria Cottage Hospital in 1904.