Page 943 - Reading Mercury

The “happiest place in a hospital—the maternity unit—was opened at Wokingham
Hospital on Thursday by Sir George Schuster, chairman of the Oxford Regional
Hospital Board. Although the new £115,000 block has been in operation since August
when workmen moved out after a year-and-a-half’s building, this week saw the
official start of a magnificently equipped and attractive unit. Where once lay forecourt
flower beds there now stands a tribute to the efforts of all concerned in making
Wokingham Hospital’s maternity accommodation the most modern and up-to-date in
the area.
Opened too was the new extension to the nurses’ home, designed on similar lines to
the other block- Visitors on Thursday were invited to inspect both building; the
nursing staff and proud mothers met many local dignitaries as they walked round.
The building scheme started just over four years ago, when agreement was reached
between Oxford and the North-West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Boards, for the
provision of extra maternity services in the Wokingham-Bracknell area. The meeting
on Thursday represented the end product of a fruitful co-operation which is being
currently urged upon the health services from all sides.

A UNIT OF 32 BEDS
After detailed discussions, it was agreed that the unit of 32 beds, with a family
doctor, medical staff and consultant obstetric advice from the Reading group of
hospitals, would meet the needs. Planning of the units was undertaken in close
consultation by the Oxford Regional Board, and the Hospital Management
Committee. The Boards own architectural department designed the buildings.
They aimed for a domestic, atmosphere. And they achieved it, writes our reporter.
There is a large proportion of single rooms, and no sub-unit comprises more than four
beds.
For mothers allowed up after the birth of their babies, an attractive, carpeted lounge
provides a pleasant day room where they can eat meals.
At the opening ceremony, Sir George Schuster said Berkshire had the reputation of
possessing the lowest rate in maternal deaths. “Whereas our numbers are 32 in
100,000, elsewhere the ratio is 40 per 100,000. We hope very much that that fine
record continues,” he said.
Lord Moynihan, chairman of the North-West metropolitan Regional Hospital Board,
spoke of the happy relationship and spirit of co-operation existing between the two
Boards. He referred to the maternity unit as “the happiest place in the hospital.”
Col. C.B. Krabbe, vice-chairman of the Oxford Regional Hospital Board and a
member of the Reading and District Hospital Management Committee, presided. The
blessing was given by the Rt. Rev. Eric Knell, Bishop of Reading.

th
Sat 4 Feb
WOKINGHAM CHOOSES IT’S MAYOR-ELECT
A lady for the third time
It was announced this week that Dr. Phyllys Pleasance Pigott, of “The Old House,”
The Terrace, Wokingham, has accepted nomination by the Mayoral Selection
Committee and will become Wokingham’s next Mayor in May.
Dr. Pigott will be the third lady Mayor in the history of the borough, the Hon. Mrs.
Corfield having held the office from November, 1947, to May, 1950, and Mrs. C.E.A.
La Bouchardière in 1956/57. Her association with the Town Council began in
December, 1939, when she became a co-opted member and she remained on the

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