Alton Community Hospital

The hospital on Chawton Park Road was founded in 1901 for the returning Boer war wounded. After this and under the patronage of William Treloar, Lord Mayor of London, it became what was known as “the little cripples hospital” treating children orthopaedically disabled by TB. More recently it served as a regional orthopaedic hospital gaining an international reputation. Sadly this function has now moved to Basingstoke. However the wonderful spirit of this hospital lives on today to serve the local community and to remain a centre of excellence in its field. It functions as a multidisciplinary complex which interrelates wonderfully within itself and with the local community which it serves.

Included there are:

  • Inwood Ward: Has 12 nurse-led beds. They are looked after day to day by the practice and are aimed at rehabilitation, especially for those that are recovering from operation or illness slower than the norm. There are plans for respite and terminal care beds. Both wards benefit from Physiotherapy and Occupational therapist working closely with the nursing staff to speed rehabilitation.
  • Anstey Ward: This 24 bed ward has 12 GP beds and 12 consultant led beds. The GP beds allow GPs to admit and care for people who need hospital admission but not high technology care. All those who work directly with the ill, elderly and infirm in Alton realise the enormous value these beds are to the local community. The consultant beds cater for rehabilitation from stroke and orthopaedic operations (hips and knees) especially for the elderly. It is consultant led, but managed day to day by the practice.
  • Out Patients: Visited by consultants in a variety of specialties most of whom come from Basingstoke Hospital.
  • Community services with occupational therapy, community physiotherapy and community psychiatric workers. They run a most valuable day rehabilitation ward.
  • Physiotherapy
  • X-ray
  • Podiatry (previously known as chiropody but still able to give invaluable help for a variety of foot problems)

In 2001 a £1.4 million new wing was opened; housing Outpatients, X-ray and Physiotherapy in beautiful lilac and very bright blue. This confirmed the community hospital as a viable entity and allowed for the unfortunate demolition of the old Lord Mayor Treloar Hospital, and its replacement with a housing estate. The community hospital is now is now well placed to face the uncertainties of the 21st century.

In 2005 the worsening financial position of the local Primary Care Trust forced the closure of Inwood ward. Massive local opposition, public meetings and a lot of behind the scenes pressure has allowed the ward to partially reopen in Oct 2006.