Falmouth’s Community Hospital : What 95 Years of Care Looks Like

Falmouth Community Hospital has just marked a major milestone, celebrating 95 years of serving the local community.

A Legacy of Care

First opening its doors on 26th April 1930, Falmouth Community Hospital was built on a new site on Trescobeas Road, replacing the old Seamen’s Hospital which dated back to 1750. Originally believed to have been built for ophthalmology and war patients, the hospital has provided vital care to Falmouth and the surrounding areas ever since.

The hospital was a generous gift from William Mountstephens, of Falmouth, and Albert Charles Collins, of Stithians, who were residing in Johannesburg when they pledged their support.

Classic Charm with a Modern Touch

Despite being close to a century old, the building’s exterior still evokes memories of a bygone era, with little appearing to have changed since 1930. Inside, however, significant upgrades are bringing the hospital into the 21st century.

Earlier this year, the hospital’s x-ray facilities were upgraded, replacing the old equipment with a new digital x-ray machine and refurbishing the treatment area.

Rebecca Tica, matron at Falmouth Community Hospital, described the atmosphere:

“The building itself is a listed building. It has a level of grandeur. As you walk up it feels quite grand. With its big, stone pillars and the way the building is symmetrical.”

“As you go inside you are greeted with an abundance of warm, friendly staff. Whether that is from physio outpatients or our inpatients’ staff. We have a minor injury unit there. We are a proud hospital. We have a day hospital there as well. So, we are really promoting and providing care in the community.”

Services That Make a Difference

Today, the hospital includes a minor injury unit, an x-ray department, and a range of clinics. A specialist area of its outpatient service is ophthalmology, helping local residents avoid the need to travel to larger acute hospitals.

Rebecca explained:

“A specialist part of our outpatients is ophthalmology. We provide lots of clinics for that out in the community. That is a real benefit to people that live in and around the Falmouth area. Or for those in the west. They do not have to travel on to the acute hospital.”

High Standards and Recognition

Falmouth Community Hospital has received accolades for its high standards. Rebecca said:

“Both the ward and minor injury unit have achieved really high standards. The minor injury unit (MIU) being silver and Boscawen Ward being gold.”

Boscawen Ward is the hospital’s main ward, offering 20 beds for inpatient care and rehabilitation following surgery or illness. It also provides a quiet space for patients nearing the end of their life to spend time with their families.

The hospital has also been recognised for its innovative approach to patient care. Rebecca added:

“We are also innovative. Boscawen Ward was the first in Cornwall to implement ‘re-condition the nation.’ This is now being rolled out across the Trust. It aims to get people out of bed, rehabilitated, and de-conditioned when they are in hospital. It is amazing that we are role models for this.”

Support From the Community

Falmouth Community Hospital is supported by its charitable fund and the League of Friends charity. The League of Friends has been instrumental in funding improvements, including commissioning a local artist to paint a stunning mural in the paediatric bay.

Rebecca said:

“We are proud of that. When kids or adults with learning difficulties come in it can be scary. It is an amazing space.

“The League of Friends do lots of fundraisers for us. They do tea rounds on the wards and volunteers come in. We have monthly meetings with them, so it is all very present.”

Falmouth Community Hospital stands today as a proud reminder of the past while continuing to lead the way in community healthcare. With its rich history, dedicated staff, and continued commitment to innovation, it remains at the heart of Falmouth’s community.