On Tuesday 23 September 2025, Bideford Community Hospital reached a remarkable milestone – its centenary. The hospital was built in 1924, replacing the previous hospital on Meddon Street, and was officially opened on Wednesday 23 September 1925. The hospital has been extended several times since then, with the latest extension opening in 1994.

Over the last 100 years, the role of Bideford hospital has evolved and changed in response to the changing needs and expectations of patients. A hundred years ago people came to Bideford for operations and staff came for training. Over the last few decades Bideford has evolved to ensure more care is provided locally to patients and the wider community. This has meant the hospital, alongside the co-located medical centre, has opened its doors to partners across mental health, Citizens Advice and the voluntary sector who support people's social needs alongside their health needs.

Hundreds of patients use the hospital every week. There are consultant outpatient clinics in general surgery, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, and respiratory medicine. Our nurses also hold specialist clinics in podiatry, leg ulcer, and antenatal. And thanks to recently-awarded funding from NHS England and the Torridge Regeneration programme, we are developing exciting plans to create a community diagnostics hub and health and wellbeing facilities respectively. Providing these important services locally ensures Bideford Hospital remains a vital part of the health and wellbeing of the local community, even 100 years after its doors first opened.

Reaching this milestone is a fantastic achievement, and a testament to the service the hospital and those working there have provided over the last 100 years. Please join us in celebrating the dedication, care, and expertise of everyone who has been part of the hospital’s journey – past and present. Here’s to another hundred years of outstanding care.