For many years, St Mark's Hospital was one of five hospitals serving Maidenhead and district. It is now the only one remaining. There were several wards serving older people, on the main site, opposite on the Isolation site and the Oldershaw section on that site. Several of the buildings are in fact listed. In the past twenty five years, a new residential unit has been built. This is currently being used for rehabilitation and GP use. As such. there are often younger in-patients receiving specialised care, although most places are taken by the elderly.
The League of Friends has worked over the years to raise funds to assist the staff and patients, to provide equipment for their well-being.
Most of the buildings that once held residential patients, are now used to provide specialist services, so St Mark's has become a hub of well-being. Departments within the site include Podiatry, Talking Therapies, Mobility, Outpatient, Minor Injuries and Emergency GP services. Recently rehoused in the Charles Ward unit, is Physiotherapy, Learning Disabilities[ CTPLD has recently moved in from Abell Gardens] The building that was built for the Day Hospital, has recently been converted and now provides specialised treatment for those suffering from Eating Disorders. Part of the building is used for blood transfusions. The Parapet Breast Screening Clinic unit is standing outside this section.
There is also a Children's Nursery in the area that used to house a Social Club.
Within the Outpatients building is X Ray and scans. There are facilities for attending specialist clinics, including eye, Kidney, liver, heart, Ear nose and throat, and Children's Disorders and Blood Testing.
We are so very grateful to all who have provided so generously over the years. Although we support all departments within the hospital, we realise that our substantial funds have been received due to the hard work of the League of Friends and the generosity of all our friends who wish to support the elderly members, who have been the original users.
Report from V.Bosley
In common with other areas of the NHS, ST Mark's Hospital changes in function and services over time. Not long ago the hospital had several wards, a Day Hospital and another day facility for patients with dementia. Now there is only one ward and therefore much of the need is in rehabilitation departments, clinics and out patients services. Therefore in addition to beautiful gardens and facilities for in patients and their staff, the League of Friends is supplying equipment to other areas and constantly looking to see where new needs are arising.
Report from P.Noden