Hitchin Society’s Carol Concert: … (discussion) … As some measure of the good-will which was created, it should be mentioned that a collection for Hitchin Hospital among a, not very large audience, raised £11 8s. This followed an appeal by Cmdr. C. Pinsent, chairman of the Hospital Board., who disclosed that the Hospital accounts were likely to show a deficit of £1,000 at the end of the year. … CMDR. PINSENT’S APPEAL: Making an appeal on behalf of Hitchin Hospital, Cmdr. Clive Pinsent said that the position of chairman of such an institution was not always congenial, but when it enabled him to come to such an entertainment it had very pleasant moments, and it encouraged him to make the appeal. During the last few years Hitchin Hospital had grown. The first addition was a new women’s ward which was opened by her gracious majesty Queen Elizabeth. (Applause.) Next, they had an X-ray department, which was opened by Lord Hampden. At the beginning of the present year the Duchess of Gloucester opened the new men’s ward and children’s ward, also the Nurses’ Home, which was the old hospital converted. That they now had a hospital of which Hitchin and district could be proud was shown in a speech made in Hitchin the previous Sunday by Mr. Arthur Porritt, who was attached to the staff of King George VI. -— (applause) — and a member of the consulting staff of Hitchin Hospital. Mr. Porritt had said that he had had experience of hospitals all over the country and could honestly say that Hitchin Hospital was exceptional as a voluntary hospital. – Cmdr. Pinsent said that the Hospital was still not complete. They lacked a maternity ward. Also, office accommodation for the matron and secretary. The maintenance of the increased accommodation, which was being utilized to its utmost, was more than the income of the Hospital. They had been working for twelve months with their full capacity, and he regretted to say that, at the end of the year, the deficit would be more than £1,000. The council of management hoped and wished to carry on under the voluntary system and appealed to the public to support them to the utmost. The deficit he had mentioned would occur again unless the Hospital had the people’s support. The best way to help was by annual subscription.
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.
Referenced
GRO0157 Devonport: Clive Pinsent: 1886 – 1948