Page 7 - The Gables

The Gables Redditch Heritage
The Need For a Maternity Hospital

It appears that the Matron at that time was A Miss Haywood, was she the Fearsome
Matron remembered. The document list other members of staff and goes to to describe
the venture as follows:

The need for a maternity hospital —within easy reach —had been apparent for years
but became more than ever urgent with the influx of new residents, the shortage of
housing and the closing down of previous amenities. Several unsuccessful attempts
have been made in the past to get this accommodation, but in November last a small
group decided something must be done and with the approval of a gathering
representing all sections of the community, and later confirmed by a town's public
meeting, purchased "The Gables" in the name of the townspeople of Redditch and
district, having confidence that the people would readily help to meet the cost even at
today’ enhanced prices.

It has been argued that the Ministry of Health is responsible for this provision, but when
lives are at stake one does not wait for the normal course of departmental action
especially as the Ministry does not agree that the accommodation provided by them
should be at Redditch but had in view a new hospital, to be built in due course, at
Bromsgrove, in the meantime some beds being available at Rigby Hall.

Accoutrement at home would be ideal and very grateful thanks are due to the Nursing
Association who assist with this, but so many homes have not the best equipment or
accommodation and many young people have years to wait before new houses are
available.

The aim of your committee has been service and equipment of a very high standard at
fees which are within the compass of all, and, if any are unable to pay in full, provision
is made for acceptance at a lower rate on the doctor's recommendation. The current
charge is six guineas per week with no extras except laundry. When the Hospital is fully
booked these charges will nearly cover the normal outgoing costs and the committee
are assured that any difference will be fully met by the generosity of the people of
Redditch and district.

The purchase of the premises, the equipment with this high standard in view and the
various items of initial cost is involving an expenditure of £4,000 against which has
already been received in gifts, loans and fees a total of £,500 and it is to substantially
reduce the balance of debt that an appeal is now made so that Redditch and District
can be proud to own their own freehold Maternity Hospital.

The back page of the brochure is a request for donations stating that “ Maternity Hospital
like "The Gables" constitutes a fine channel for-our voluntary gifts now that so many
institutions which we formerly supported have been taken-over by the state.

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