ROYAL HOSPITAL.

This institution was established in 1832 simply as a dispensary; but in order to provide accommodation for in-patients liberal subscriptions were given in 1857-8-9, and the building was remodelled and enlarged, accommodation being provided for 61 in-patients. In 1868 the building was again enlarged and the number of beds being increased to 105. The hospital is open to sick and lame persons of every nation, and there are separate wards for children.

His Grace the Duke of Norfolk is the president; Sir F. T. Mappin, Bart., M.P., and Sir H Stevenson, vice-presidents; Mr. G. F. Lockwood, chairman of the board. Mr. Philip K. Wake, treasurer; Dr. W. Dyson, Dr. H. J Branson, W. S. Porter, Dr. W. R. Thomas, and Dr. S. Roberts, consulting physician Dr. H. J. Hunter, Dr. Keeling, and Mr. G. K. Thorpe, consulting surgeons; Dr. Waterhouse, consulting surgeon-accoucheur; Dr. Duncan Burgess, Dr. Arthur Hall, and Dr. Crochley Clapham, physicians; Mr. R-,J. Pye_smith,,1), Dr Sinclair White, and Mr. H. Lockwood, surgeons.

A dental department was opened in 1896, and dental patients are seen every morning from 9 to to 10 o'clock. The dental officers are Mr. C. Stokes, Mr. R. C. H. Drabble, Mr. J. L. Pike, Mr. W. B. Tolputt, Mr. F. G. Mordaunt, and Mr. J. S. Allen. Mr. A. Young is the house surgeon; Mr. H. Hallam and Mr. T. Priestley, assistant house surgeons, Mr. W. H. Lee, house physician; Mr. G. M. Tomlinson, dispenser; Miss Stibbard, matron; Mr. J. W. Robinson, secretary; office, The Royal Hospital (Westfield terrace entrance).

The late Mr. Bernard Wake on accepting the office of treasurer, in 1882, undertook to maintain a bed at his own cost. Thus was instituted the first ,' endowed bed," and this worthy example has been followed by several other benevolent friends of the charity. Each endowed bed requires an annual subscription Of £31 10s., and anyone may have the use of a bed for a year for patients of his own nomination by payment of that subscription. The demands upon the resources of the institution having completely outgrown its capability, the Board of Management decided to provide enlarged accommodation. Donations had been made at various times in aid of a new building. and under the will of the late Miss Ray the hospital became entitled to a legacy amounting to between £10,000 and £11,000. Mr. Bernard Wake generously offered to give a sum sufficient to build the out-patients' department, this being roughly estimated something over £6,000; and the Town Trustees made a grant of £5,000 in aid to the building fund.

In these circumstances it was decided to erect a Hospital well appointed and of ample capacity, and which should be in every respect worthy of the city. Adjacent property was purchased, making the total area available site of the new hospital over an acre in extent. In 1893, plans and elevation by Mr. Charles Hadfield, architect, were adopted, and the building of patients' department was begun. It was evident, however, that the project in its entirety could not be carried without much additional capital. A bold appeal to the public, therefore issued for a round sum of £50.000, that amount being required for the building apart from furnishing. A public meeting, presided over by the president, his grace the Duke of Norfolk, was held in July, 1894, at which the claims of the hospital were forcibly and ably set forth by the noble Duke and other gentlmen . At that meeting and afterwards donations flowed steadily in,.but at the time of going to press with the Red Book " a sum of about £17,000 was still needed to complete the entire scheme. On the 11th May 1895, the first portion of the new hospital was formally opened by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of York, and on September , patients were received in it. Her Royal Highness afterwards laid the foundation stone of what will be known as the "Nurses' Home," whose front is towards Eldon-street. The home was occupied early in 1897. The administrative block, which will form a considerable portion of the main facade ie building in West-street, is now in course of construction. This block contains the principal entrance, secretary's office, elevator for patients, kitchens, &c.

Extract taken from 1898 (Sheffield Red Book)
Courtesy E Youle