1977: Mildmay Mission Hospital Centenary

This image of a programme is an example of how hospital fundraising appeals were often organized around hospital anniversaries. Though (until 1982) hospitals were prohibited from using public money for fundraising appeals under the NHS, many had and were supported by a League of Friends – a registered charity comprised of people who would raise money for and/or volunteer at that particular hospital.

An image depicting the front cover of an order of service for the "Centenary Thanksgiving Service and Annual Gift Day". The cover is green, and text in black. Text at the top middle of the page states the charity name (League of Friends of Mildmay Mission Hospital) and the address (Hackney Road, London, E2 7NA). Below this, in the centre of the page, is an emblem. This is a circular medal, bordered by the text "He sent them to preach and heal the seal", with text below in a banner that reads "Founded 1877". Underneath, in capital letters and bold text, reads the title of the service and date (1st October, 1977).
Front cover of order of service for the Annual Gift Day of Mildmay Mission Hospital, 1977. Image courtesy of Barts Health NHS Trust Archives.
Reproduction of the rear page of an order of service from the 1977 annual gift day for Mildmay Mission Hospital. The page is black text on a white background. There are no images. The page is a donation form. The text reads: "If you are unable to be present and wish to contribute to the Gift Day, please complete this form." There is a section to declare the value of cheque or postal order enclosed. Following this is a section for the donor to write their name and address. The end of the text reads: "Kindly make cheques and postal orders payable to League of Friends of Mildmay Mission Hospital and send to the Secretary".
Rear cover of order of service for the Annual Gift Day of Mildmay Mission Hospital. Image courtesy of Barts Health NHS Trust Archives.

Mildmay Mission Hospital celebrated its centenary in 1977, encouraging donations to their League of Friends to mark the occasion. The Hospital had been established in a converted warehouse in 1877 by Catherine Pennefather and 11 other women. It was incorporated into the NHS in 1948 and became part of the Tower Hamlets Health District in 1974. It was closed down in 1982 as it was deemed too small and no longer economically viable.

Following community protest, Mildmay was reopened in 1985 as a charitable nursing home outside the NHS, and became Europe’s first hospice for people with HIV/AIDS in 1988. To this day, it is a charitable hospital that provides rehabilitation, treatment, and care for people with HIV-related health conditions. Since its foundation, it has remained an evangelical Christian organisation.