Description

Admin History:

A full copy of The History of the Hull Aid in Sickness Trust can be found at C DSS/4/1 as compiled by Dawn Singleton. The following is an extract from it:

Although little is known of the early history of the charity, it derives its origin from the exertions of some members of the medical profession in Hull in or about the year 1799 willing to render their services gratuitously.

In April 1814 a General Meeting of the subscribers was held to consider how the debts already incurred were to be met and to discuss how the scheme could continue. The old Hull and Sculcoates Dispensary was officially established and based at 51 High Street at an annual expense of £350.00, supported by subscription and voluntary donations.

In 1832, the Dispensary acquired its premises in St. John's Street and a resident surgeon was installed who devoted the whole of his time to the work of the Institution, a part being spent at the Institution and part in visiting patients. He also had the assistance of two visiting surgeons.

By 1869 the work of the Institution had increased so that a third visiting surgeon was appointed and the resident surgeon remained permanently on-site. In 1886, the Dispensary moved to its new premises at Baker Street Hull built by public subscription, the old St John's Street building having become too small and sold to the Hull Corporation.

By 1931 there were Dispensary Buildings in West Hull on North Boulevard and also in East Hull on Holderness Road (opposite Dansom Lane), opened to cope with the demand placed upon the institution. Another resident surgeon had been employed and the number of visiting surgeons increased to eleven.

With the inception of the N.H.S. in the 1940's, the Dispensary was virtually superseded and the old Dispensary was wound up and reformed into the Hull and Sculcoates Dispensary Aid Trust under a scheme of the Charity Commissioners dated 30th August 1957. Its charitable activities changed from being concerned with direct medical care and instead the Trust gave grants of money to relieve the suffering of those afflicted by illness.

The Trustees felt that the name of the Trust also needed updating and made more meaningful and suggestions were also given for a number of minor administrative amendments. In 1973, the former Hull and Sculcoates Dispensary Aid Trust was officially re-constituted under an order of the Charity Commissioners and became the Hull Aid in Sickness Trust (registered Charity No. 224193).

The Trust is currently able to make grants from any clear income gained from its portfolio of investments and does not fundraise or gain wealth from any other sources, making the amount of grants made variable and dependant on the returns made from its invested capital.

Description:

Minutes, Accounts, valuations, declarations and a scrapbook