History of Benenden Hospital
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Click here to view a 1956 video of Benenden - Value for Money|
Benenden Hospital is an independent trust hospital with charitable status, situated in Kent within its own private grounds. The hospital was originally built for the National Association for the Establishment and Maintenance of Sanatoria for workers suffering from Tuberculosis. This was a consortium founded by the Holiday Saturday Fund movement of trade unions and friendly societies which
The Society joined.
By 1945, as the only member of The National Association, The Society became the sanatorium's governing body. In April 1951 the National Association disbanded and The Society acquired the hospital.
With the decline in the incidence of TB the Society agreed to treat a growing number of members with chest complaints and cancer. The building of an operating theatre, surgical wards, an x-ray department, staff accommodation and facilities took place and new services such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy were introduced.
During the 1980's and 1990's the Hospital continued its expansion and developed on the range of surgical procedures that were already taking place. The Hospital now provides treatment for a wide range of specialties.
The Hospital has survived and grown over nearly a hundred years through war damage and the inception and development of the National Health Service, by its ability to adapt to the changing circumstances and the needs of members who support it. The close relationship it has with its Board of Governors, the Committee of Management and Society Branches hold it in good stead and will ensure it continues to adapt to the changing needs of the members of the Benenden Healthcare Society Ltd in the future.
The Society's philosophy states: 'The Benenden Healthcare Society Limited, in the spirit of mutual aid and support, exists to meet the needs of its members and their families who are suffering anxiety or distress in seeking medical advice or treatment. It aims to do so at a cost affordable by all and with equal opportunity'.
The Society is a non-profit making friendly society funded by contributions from members (the level of which is determined by the membership itself). Its independent low-cost scheme is available to all Royal Mail, British Telecom, Civil Service and Local Authority employees, and those employed in related bodies and agencies. Today, approximately 960,000 members are covered by the scheme, which works alongside, not in competition, with the NHS. It is not a private medical insurance scheme. Members claim on each occasion they may need medical benefits, but members accept a collective responsibility for using the Society's facilities when they face difficulty in obtaining medical advice and care in the NHS. The Society, is therefore, able to offer a back-up to the NHS at minimal cost.
Today, the Hospital, as well as being available to the Society's membership, is a provider of services to both privately insured patients and the National Health Services. It is an approved primary provider under the NHS Patient Choice Scheme and provides diagnostic services directly for general practitioners. It is also accredited by the major health insurance organisations.
Click here to view a 1956 video of Benenden - Value for Money|
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