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Some of Stamford's most iconic vistas have been captured as part of the décor of the town's new Day Treatment Unit - thanks to a well-known local amateur photographer and former member of hospital staff.

 

Stamford & Rutland Hospital's state-of-the-art facility opened its doors to patients last December, offering day case procedures in areas including plastic surgery, orthopaedics, pain management and urology.

And alongside the fresh and modern look of the Unit and, there is an element of the town's rich history and tradition which has been captured as part of the interior design.

 

Amateur local photographer Dave Baxter was invited to have some of his images of Stamford's most iconic views - including The Meadows and the famous approach to the town centre via The George - featured in the design.

The invitation was made all the more special as Dave has a personal and long-standing association with the hospital.

 

Dave said: “I joined the pathology team at Stamford back in 1969 and have lived in the area ever since. I was always interested in practical science, and started black and white photography printing at home, using the utility room as a darkroom.

“Along with many hospitals, Stamford had long blank corridors and so with help of the regional and local Estates Departments I volunteered to fill them - so for about 25 years, I sourced a display of artwork (mainly photography) that changed every few months. As a result, many of the hospital's departments and wards contacted me for permanent displays over the years.”

And Dave's photography link with the Hospital has now come full circle, providing a selection of images to be showcased throughout the new Day Treatment Centre. 

Dave, who retired from the NHS on 2005 after a 41-year service and was instrumental in setting up Stamford Hospital's Museum, says he is delighted with how the images have been - in his words, 'brilliantly' - processed and reproduced and was among the guests at the key handing over presentations last November.

In addition, a complete set of 19^th century tiles have been preserved from the Hospital's former Fever Wards from 1878 - and are now displayed in the Day Treatment Unit's entrance.

 

The tiles have received national attention in an Historic England report 2015 which suggests that they are the oldest surviving example of their kind.

Months of work to restore the tiles, many of which were covered by layers of paint and plaster, has allowed them to be back on public display after many years.

The picture tiles were included in the construction of the isolation ward at the hospital (formerly known as Stamford & Rutland Infirmary) and originally designed to relieve boredom of patients who could be isolate from family and friends for up to six months.

  Dave Baxter and some of his photos recreated for Stamford & Rutland Hospital's new Day Treatment Unit - and the restored and preserved Fever Wards tiles.