| Southend Hospital | |
| Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust | |
|---|---|
| Geography | |
| Location | Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, England, United Kingdom |
| Organisation | |
| Care system | Public NHS |
| Services | |
| Emergency department | Yes Accident & Emergency |
| Beds | 737 |
| History | |
| Founded | 1888 |
| Links | |
| Website | http://www.southend.nhs.uk/ |
| Lists | Hospitals in England |
Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is an NHS hospital located in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex.[1]
In 1887, to celebrate Queen Victoria's Jubilee, a public fund was started with the aim of building a hospital and site for Southend's first hospital was bought for £350 (in Warrior Square near to Southend High Street). Built for £1,287.4s.6d Southend Victoria Hospital was opened in May 1888. By Christmas, with 8 beds and 2 cots, it had treated 61 patients at an average weekly cost of 4s.6d (22.5p). Further building work began in 1930 and the new building was officially opened by the Rt. Hon Earl of Iveagh in 1932. In 1948 when the hospital was taken over by the Ministry of Health under the newly formed NHS, there were 24 consultants and 11 resident medical staff.[2] The hospital now has 157 consultants providing various services.
It serves a catchment area with a population of about 350,000. It has officially designated Cancer Centre status and has gained gained Foundation Trust status under the name Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.