The future of the hospital was in doubt
By this time, the future of the hospital was in doubt.
- It cost £1.25m a year to run, and the District Health Authority recommended its closure on economic grounds.
- Following objection to this plan by former patients, the media, politicians and the general public, the threat was withdrawn in July 1991.
The support of Countess Mountbatten of Burma, great-great granddaughter of founder Sir Ernest Cassel and hospital patron for over 50 years, was instrumental in saving the hospital. She strongly supported the hospital when it was threatened with closure and through her work as a trustee, the Trust was able to raise £3.5m to fund the building of the Children’s Centre and the Families Unit.
Dr John Denford also played a key role in the campaign to save the Cassel. He worked at the Cassel Hospital over many decades, as Senior Registrar, Consultant and eventually, from 1985 to 1993, as its Director. Under his leadership, in 1990, the Cassel fought a vigorous and, in the end successful campaign, against a serious closure threat.
Realising the need for outcome research to secure the future of the hospital, Dr Denford carried out a retrospective study and initiated a long-term prospective research study with the aim of providing evidence of the clinical effectiveness of the treatment provided at the hospital. He also introduced an innovative step-down treatment programme. These steps were instrumental for the survival of the Cassel up to this day. He was also the Chair of the Cassel Hospital Charitable Trust during his time as Clinical Director and a trustee from when he stepped down right up until his death.