1915 - 1919
Beaufort War
Hospital
A unique collection that documents the transformation of Glenside Hospital into the Beaufort War Hospital, after being requisitioned by The War Office during the First World War.
This vital part of the museum stands as a poignant testament to the role of medical establishments during times of conflict, presenting a fascinating insight into the adaptive use of existing facilities to meet the urgent demands of wartime healthcare.
Soldiers Treated
Soldiers Stories
Many of the records from this period have been lost, indeed intentionally destroyed. However, a few of these soldiers stories have been discovered through research at Glenside Hospital Museum.
Our Collection
The collection provides valuable insights into the day-to-day operations of a war hospital, and the medical practices at the time including its pioneering treatments, especially in the field of orthopaedics.
In just three months, The Glenside Hospital was transformed into The Beaufort War Hospital, with the first convoy of wounded patients arriving on May 24th, 1915. The dedicated staff worked relentlessly under demanding conditions to heal and rehabilitate the war-wounded. In February 1919, the war hospital closed its doors and resumed its role as a psychiatric hospital.
You might not expect...
FROM THE COLLECTION
The Thomas Splint
The Museum has several Thomas Splints, representing the birth of orthopaedics.
This simple looking device massively reduced the mortality rate from compound fractures of the femur from 87% to just 8% during the war. Read more about the splint and the doctors that promoted its use.
REVIEWS
Visitors have said
Staff
Some of the nurses from Beaufort War Hospital
Matrons & Nurses
Some of the nurses from Beaufort War Hospital