Our birthday cake was generously donated by Barnfield College
5th March 2019
Everyone was proud to celebrate the hospital’s 80th birthday on 14th February. It’s was wonderful to meet former patients who came back to share their stories. We also welcomed a few people who lined the streets waiting for Queen Mary to come and open the hospital in 1939.
There was a fantastic atmosphere around the hospital, with performances in the main reception from Ferrars Junior School choir, Dallow Road Primary School choir and the L&D hospital choir. There was also a Service of Celebration held for all faiths where a candle was lit to mark the occasion.
The Service was opened by Edward Philip, great grandson of the first benefactor of the L&D, local businessman and Chairman of the Helipad Appeal. There were then prayers and reflections from Christian, Muslim, Hindu and non-religious guests, and Janet Graham, Governor and former L&D nurse, gave a fantastic history of the hospital and amused the congregation with stories about what went on around the wards back in the day.
Patients waiting for outpatient appointments were offered a cup of tea and cake from volunteers to help make the day memorable and around the hospital there were numerous cake and memorabilia sales. The Fundraising Team had a pledge board, face painters and surprised staff and patients with a visit by Luton Town FC mascot Harry.
The Mayors of Luton, Dunstable and Houghton Regis joined Simon Linnett (Hospital Chairman), Matt Gibbons (Director of Finance) and Edward Phillips (Chairman of the Helipad Appeal) to judge a cake competition.
Both BBC Look East and ITV Anglian covered the birthday in the news reinforcing just how important the L&D is to the community it serves.
To commemorate the 80th birthday, a permanent exhibition has been installed on the first and second floor of the main hospital so please do pop along if you want to see it. It includes photographs from when the L&D was opened by Queen Mary and our ‘Dig for Victory’ efforts during the war. There is also a commemorative brochure for staff, patients and visitors. If you would like one, please email communications@ldh.nhs.uk
Thank you to everyone who got involved in the celebrations!
Volunteers served teas, coffees and cakes in outpatient departments
The Carers Lounge supported in offering teas and coffee to patients and visitors
Our first patient joined us at the Service of Celebration