Mexborough & Swinton Times — Saturday, 26 July 1924

Montagu Hospital

Interesting Reminiscences of Its Origin

Apropos the stone-laying ceremony to-day (Saturday) in connection with the extension of the Montagu Hospital, it is interesting to recall a reminiscence of the origin of the Mexborough Hospital, supplied by Mr. Joseph Johnson, of Don View, Mexborough, who may be said to be directly connected with the inauguration of the hospital movement in Mexborough.

Mr. Johnson, who is well-known in connection with friendly society work and sport in Mexborough, was severely injured in an accident at Denaby Colliery on December 10th, 1886, and as a result, had to have his leg amputated. At that time, there was no hospital nearer than Rotherham or Doncaster, and it was necessary to operate upon him in his own home, the case being one of great urgency. The operation was performed by the late Dr. Sykes, of Mexborough, and the late Dr. William Briman, of Wath. It was, indeed, Dr. Sykes’s first case of amputation, and it was perfectly successful.

Mr. Johnson was kept in bed for nearly six weeks, and during that time was constantly visited by Dr. Sykes, who frequently discussed with him the possibilities of building a hospital in Mexborough.

“He used,” says Mr. Johnson, “to take me on his rounds to Barnburgh and Melton, and as we went he would say: ‘Now is the time, Joe, for making a hospital in Mexborough. I shall never rest content until we have one. It is the great ambition of my life.’”

The subject was always on his mind. It was while on his rounds that he first began to discuss with the Honourable Mrs. Ward and her family the necessity for a hospital in the district, and as we know now, a great deal of good came out of those discussions.

It was a proud day not only for Dr. Sykes, but for the family of Melton Hall, when the little cottage hospital in Bank Street was opened.