At the royal college of Physicians
and surgeons of Glasgow
and surgeons of Glasgow
Being a patient in a hospital has its restrictions, but it doesn't always mean that life has to stop. The staff at Mearnskirk not only worked hard to bring hope to their patients, but also to bring some form of normality to the hospital where they could.
Garden Fetes and Gala Days were known to be held at the hospital grounds, packed with many different activities to entertain patients, staff, and guests. A special gala was held on the day of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953. To celebrate, different sporting events were held, including a series of boxing matches that featured famous boxers of the day, such as Roy Ankrah and Peter Keenan.
Christmas is an exciting time for any child and the young patients of Mearnskirk were no exception. This could have been a particularly difficult time for the children- being away from home and family, how on earth would Santa know where to drop off their presents? Thankfully Santa visited Mearnskirk every Christmas without fail, making sure that each child received the exact present they had asked for! Performers from the annual pantomime at the Glasgow Pavilion in the city centre also made sure to visit the patients to bring an extra bit of magic to the Christmas celebrations.
Events held at the hospital were special for all attending, but especially for those patients who weren't able to leave their beds or the hospital grounds. No one at Mearnskirk was left behind. Trips away from the hospital were arranged for patients able and healthy enough to leave the grounds, giving them a much-needed change of scene. From fresh sea air to delicious popcorn, hospital trips were eagerly anticipated by all.
Scotland is home to gorgeous beaches, however the warmth and sunshine doesn't always accompany them! Photographs from the collection show smiles on the faces of patients as they play on Ayr Beach, ride the dodgems at the fayre, and have picnics at Largs. With the hospital being situated in Newton Mearns, several beachside resort towns were only an hour's drive away. Taxis would arrive to take staff and patients to Troon, which was 30 minutes from the hospital grounds. In 1949, 100 taxis arrived at the hospital along with members of the Gaybirds Band to escort staff and patients to a day out at Troon. The Gaybirds Band were the resident performers at the Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom in the east end of the city centre. With trumpets, bagpipes, and accordions, one can only imagine the music that was played down the road!