North Lonsdale Hospital sees a magnificent amount raised in 1988

Appointments Officer Ann Hayes presented the cheque to Consultant Surgeon Richard Wilson, who received the money on behalf of the Furness Mammograph Appeal.

In April 1989 the century-old North Lonsdale Hospital closed its doors for the last time with a farewell party thrown by staff to mark the occasion.

Former staff members turned up to the party at the old hospital, which sprang from the most humble beginnings. It was once no more than a house on the corner of Albert Street and Cross Street.

It subsequently moved to the buildings in School Street, which still proudly bore the slogan 'supported by voluntary contributions.'

The hospital was built on the North Lonsdale site in 1885.

In a special feature, The Mail looked back at the history of the once-bustling hospital and some of the individuals who once cared for the patients.

There was Miss Creaser, who led the hospital before and during the war; Matron Priscilla James, a stalwart of the town; and Bill and George Kellett, who fulfilled the role of hospital secretary during the hospital's takeover by the NHS in 1948.

The pathology department was built at North Lonsdale in the 1950s and had transferred to Phase II of the Furness General Hospital site.

Ken McIver, known universally as Mac, developed a pharmacy at North Lonsdale, which turned out to be second to none in the country, with Mac achieving nation fame by his work on drug inter-reactions.

The Mail feature said that patients would remember Josie Cornthwaite, who ran the medical records department for many years; Stan Finn, the superintendent radiographer; Harold Richards, the popular head porter; and Bernie Edgar, operation department assistant.

In the hospital kitchens storerooms there was Bert Gibson, Kath Park and countless ancillary staff.

The hospital was partially closed in 1984 and gradually departments were transferred until the hospital closed completely on April 14, 1989.