Have Your Say about the Future of Milford War Memorial Hospital

The NHS is planning the future use of Milford on Sea War Memorial Hospital in Sea Road, and they would like your views.

The hospital was built by residents as a War Memorial to commemorate the village fallen in World War One, it also houses our Village War Memorial. So, this is not a simple decision about an NHS facility, if the hospital cannot be justified on the services it provides, then it is feared that decision could be made which could affect this historic building in Milford on Sea.

It seems clear that we need a great idea to secure the future of this important local landmark. 

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You will be able to discuss the future of services at Milford Hospital directly with NHS staff from West Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group at 'Drop In Meetings' on the dates below.

There will be no formal presentation, and you are welcome to drop in at any time during the sessions.

• Milford Community Centre, SO41 0PH - Tuesday 31st October 2017: At any time between 1pm - 6pm

• All Saints Church Hall, SO41 0SQ - Wednesday 8th November 2017: At any time between 6pm - 8pm

If any groups or clubs in the village have any ideas on how the hospital could be used, suggestions would be welcomed in writing or person.

The hospital building itself is owned by NHS Property Services with the majority of services at the site provided by Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust and commissioned by West Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

About Milford on Sea War Memorial Hospital

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On Friday 24 July 2015 an official Blue Plaque was unveiled at Milford War Memorial Hospital by Milford Hospital League of Friends to commemorate  that: 'Milford on Sea War Memorial Hospital, opened in 1930, was built with public subscription by the families and friends of those who died in World War I. Registered War Memorial No 59027.'

The Blue Plaque was installed to remind people of the sacrifice of those who lost their lives and the families and villagers who contributed to build the hospital on its present site.

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The Historical Record Society’s research, and persistence with official bodies, including the Imperial War Museum over some years, resulted in the Hospital being formally registered, and the Blue Plaque is now a permanent emblem of the Hospital’s importance as the village’s chosen way of honouring its War Dead.

The War Memorial Hospital also houses the Village War Memorial, and poppy wreaths are laid here every Armistice Day in November.

So, any decisions made about the future of the building are not simply about an NHS hospital, this building and its contents are enshrined in the fabric of our village history.

Whatever the future, why and how Milford on Sea Memorial Hospital was built must not be lost or forgotten.

Story of the Village War Memorial: click here to read.