Benenden Hospital was opened in 1907 by the National Association for the Establishment and Maintenance of Sanatoria - the aim being to treat postal workers suffering from tuberculosis.
The Association was a consortium founded by trade unions and friendly societies, and Benenden Healthcare Society (formerly the Post Office and Civil Service Sanatoria) became a member. By 1951 the Association had disbanded and Benenden Healthcare Society took over the sanatorium.
With cases of TB declining, the Society expanded treatment to include chest complaints and cancer and shortly afterwards an operating theatre, surgical wards and an x-ray department were introduced.
Today's modern hospital continues the principle of providing first-class treatment for a wide range of specialties. Although the Society's members are the major users of the facility, non-members are also welcome.
People who wish to fund their own treatment, either directly or through insurance, and NHS patients directed here by their GP continue to enjoy the high quality care offered at Benenden Hospital in a tradition and ethos stretching back over 100 years.