On 9th May 1930, the new Mearnskirk Hospital for children opened as a tuberculosis hospital for children under the age of 15. This collection descibes the history of Mearnskirk Hospital and the Peter Pan Statue. Also, people who worked at Mearnskirk and some who were patients there have shared their memories with us.
History of Mearnskirk Hospital
The first patient to be admitted was six year old George McEwan who was in a group of children transferred from Robroyston Hospital on 9th May 1930. He stepped from the ambulance proudly carrying a large box of cigarettes for Dr Wilson, the first Physician Superintendent, from the staff of Robroyston!
Peter Pan at Mearnskirk
It had been the wish of Dr. Wilson, the first Physician Superintendent to replace the cement statues which he had erected in the grounds with a bronze statue of Peter Pan but in wartime bronze was scarce. Just before Dr Wilson died, Alfred Ellsworth promised him “You will get your Peter Pan”.
Statue of Peter Pan
The bronze statue of Peter Pan was produced by Alexander Proudfoot (1878 – 1957). Proudfoot was born in Liverpool of Scottish parents. He also produced war memorials at Bearsden, Cambuslang and Greenock.
Brownies at Mearnskirk
During the mid 1950’s I had the privilege to become involved in the running of the Girl Guide Brownie Pack within Mearnskirk Hospital. Starting as a Guide Ranger, I was appointed the Tawny Owl to assist in the running of the pack held in Pavilion One of the hospital.
One Man's Story
Lieutenant Cyril Lovitt R.N.V.R. was transferred to Mearnskirk Hospital in late May, one of 33,790 service personnel who were treated in the hospital between 1940 and 1946. Now living in Western Australia he has kindly written this account of his experience.
Memories of Nurse Margaret Crowley
My aunt, Margaret Crowley, trained as a nurse at Stobhill Hospital and nursed in Mearnskirk Hospital from 1934. Throughout her long life my aunt often recounted incidents and details about her life at the hospital.
Memories of a Young Patient
Today it is difficult to imagine the regime which was in place for the children in Mearnskirk in the 1940’s and 50’s. I was three years old when I was admitted to Mearnskirk Hospital. Although it is a long time ago, I remember lots of details and some of the people who looked after me. Here are some of my memories.
Memories of Duncan Campbell
Mearnskirk Hospital was always a very important part of my growing up in Cambuslang. We went to Mearnskirk Gala Days in the summer and enjoyed the Punch and Judy shows, the races - egg and spoon, three legged races, etc.
Memories of a Six Year Old Boy
George Rountree was a patient in Mearnskirk Hospital from September 1936 until February 1937.
He was six years old. This is his story.
Ian Smillie's Memories
In October 1951 I was diagnosed with Polio and was taken to Knightswood Hospital where I remained for some weeks during the infectious phase of the disease. So it must have been early December 1951 that I first went to Mearnskirk Hospital.