1930-1959 Archives - Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

1954 (1 December 2022)
Teignmouth Community Hospital became the first complete hospital in the country to have been built under the National Health Service.The previous hospital had been bombed and destroyed in 1941 when seven patients and three nurses died. There has bee

1954 (1 December 2022)
Torbay Hospital’s League of Friends was formed to raise funds for services and amenities. Over the years it has become one of the most successful Leagues in the country raising millions of pounds.

1953 (1 December 2022)
Men’s wardNurses' lounge

5 July 1948 (1 December 2022)
The National Health Service is officially launched. The guiding principle was that it would be available to all and free at the point of delivery – financed from general taxation.

1946 (1 December 2022)
The National Health Service Act was passed in 1946 resulting in hospitals becoming the responsibility of the State.Penicillin became available for the first time in the UK for public use. It transformed medicine worldwide and ushered in the age of

1945 (1 December 2022)
Torbay Hospital Nurses’ League was founded. Set up by trained nurses, for trained nurses, for friendship and support. The League is still going strong today with almost 200 members worldwide.

1 November 1942 (1 December 2022)
The Beveridge report is published. One of its recommendations was that there should be a free and comprehensive health service available for all.

1936 (1 December 2022)
Torbay Hospital nurses including Matron Miss Turner.

1931 (1 December 2022)
Some of the clinical staff at Torbay Hospital.

12 August 1930 (1 December 2022)
On 12 August 1930, the Chapel at Torbay Hospital was opened and dedicated by the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Exeter.Ella Rowcroft specified that £6,000 of her generous donation should be allocated to the building of the Chapel and stained-glas