A magical date for Whitworth as The Lodge refurbishment is celebrated
27 June 2025 marked another milestone at Whitworth Hospital, Darley Dale, as staff, supporters and friends gathered to celebrate the official completion of a major refurbishment of The Lodge - a transformation made possible through the extraordinary generosity of the Matlock Hospitals League of Friends.
The event was especially poignant, taking place exactly two years to the day since the community celebrated the opening of Whitworth’s Community Diagnostic Centre, which also benefited from a major funding injection from the League. This time, the League contributed an astounding £180,000 towards the refurbishment of The Lodge, a figure met with heartfelt gratitude by all present.
Guests were treated to refreshments and a visual display showcasing the before-and-after transformation, viewed on a newly installed integrated TV system – itself a symbol of the modernised, welcoming new space.
The works, completed over just four months, involved the full refurbishment of both the ground and lower ground floors. The ground floor has been converted into a group clinical space, while the lower ground floor now houses upgraded offices, kitchen and toilet facilities. Extensive damp repairs, new ceilings, floor coverings, redecoration and cabinetry were carried out, alongside a full electrical rewire, energy-efficient heating and lighting systems, and new fire safety and security controls — all designed to improve both efficiency and comfort.
Thanks were extended to the Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust estates team, including Karlda Lewin and Dave Clifton (both on well-earned holidays), as well as contractors Andy Carter (electrical) and James Brown (mechanical), for their part in delivering the project to such a high standard. Praise was also given to the Whitworth integrated facilities management team for their essential behind-the-scenes support, and the catering team for supplying the delicious celebratory cakes.
Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust’s chair Julie Houlder and chief executive Jim Austin were in attendance to pay personal thanks on behalf of the Trust for the generosity of the league of friends, which has enhanced facilities for patients in numerous ways over the years.
A highlight of the event was a moment of personal recognition for Pam Wildgoose, honorary secretary of the League ever since its inception in the 1960s, whose support spans decades. With her 94th birthday approaching just days later, she was presented with flowers and a birthday cake, made by cook Lisa Pateman, in thanks for her unwavering commitment.
Reflecting on the League’s legacy, staff noted that since its formation in 1967, the Matlock Hospitals League of Friends has gifted more than £3 million to local NHS projects. Since 2019 alone, major donations have included £62,000 for a physiotherapy upgrade, £122,000 for a new car park, and £27,000 for urgent treatment centre improvements, all at Whitworth Hospital — in addition to the work on the community diagnostic centre and now the Lodge.
The event concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by long-time League member and former chairman Robert Young, marking yet another chapter in the League’s incredible legacy at Whitworth. A project well done – and a community well served.