Party to mark Rutland Memorial Hospital’s 100th birthday

A family fun day will be held to mark a hospital’s 100th birthday.

A free event is being held in the grounds of Rutland Memorial Hospital on Saturday, August 17 from 11am to 4pm.

It marks a century since the opening of the Oakham hospital, which was built to commemorate those who died in battle during the First World War.

Carla Yaxley, ward manager for the inpatient ward, said: “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 are hoping to give local residents a picture of the variety of services which take place now at the hospital.

“Unfortunately due to space considerations we cannot offer tours of the building, but we will have stalls displaying the work of the various teams who call Rutland Memorial their home.”

There will be a bouncy castle, refreshments, tombola, face painting and second hand book stall.

Richard Cole, the High Sheriff of Rutland, will cut a celebration cake to open the event.

As well as an inpatient ward, the hospital is home to a GP surgery, a minor injuries unit, and X-ray department, and provides a wide range of outpatient clinics for physical and mental health issues.

Last year 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.