A project that celebrates St Peter’s Hospital's history and the invaluable contributions of local NHS heroes has been completed, by Chertsey Museum working with people from across the hospital itself.
As a result, a free exhibition, St Peter’s Hospital: Untold Stories, is now open to the public. It explores the evolution of the hospital from its origins as an emergency war hospital in 1939, through the establishment of the NHS in 1948, to the modern healthcare facility it is today.
The story is told through the voices of those who have worked at the hospital, featuring interviews with 27 past and present staff members. Visitors can listen to these personal accounts through a short film and themed audio clips, offering a unique glimpse into the hospital’s history.
Co-Leaders of Runnymede Borough Council said:
“Chertsey has a rich history which is at the very heart of its community, and St Peter’s Hospital is a significant part of that story—from treating World War II casualties to becoming the outstanding hospital it is today. We are delighted that the museum has captured this journey through the voices of local heroes and patient experiences.
It’s fantastic to see two leading establishments collaborate to celebrate Chertsey’s history and community spirit. Projects like this are vital in ensuring that our stories are shared and preserved, allowing future generations to learn and keep Chertsey’s history alive."
The museum’s Education and Curatorial Assistant, Heidi Dawley, conducted interviews with a diverse range of hospital staff. These included a former Children’s Ward Sister who recalled the early days of the NHS, a former CEO who oversaw the hospital’s merger with Ashford Hospital in the 1990s, and current staff who shared their experiences of working through the COVID-19 pandemic. These interviews will be preserved in the museum’s archives for future generations.
Louise Stead, Group Chief Executive of Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals and Royal Surrey NHS foundation trusts, said:
“It has been wonderful to capture the memories and experiences of those who have been cared for or worked for the hospital throughout its long history.
“We look forward to sharing these stories of St Peter’s Hospital with patients and visitors coming on to our site later this year, once the exhibition comes to an end at Chertsey Museum.”
The exhibition also showcases a variety of artistic contributions, including a community quilt, created during two public craft sessions. Members of the community were invited to decorate squares of fabric made from uniforms worn by hospital staff. These squares tell deeply personal stories—ranging from new mothers who gave birth at St Peter’s to families affected by renal treatment. The quilt was assembled by Benta Hickley, who runs the museums Fun with Fabric sewing group.
In addition to the quilt, local artist and frequent visitor to the museum, Hannah Walker contributed a mixed media painting inspired by oral history testimonies and her own experiences at St Peter’s Hospital to capture the hospital’s past and present.
A grant for the project also allowed the museum to provide art boxes for long-term hospital patients. Surrey-based artist Diana Burch was commissioned to create a series of craft activities inspired by the oral histories. These activities were compiled into a booklet and packaged with art supplies, offering patients a creative outlet during their hospital stay.
St Peter’s Hospital: Untold Stories is a moving tribute to the hospital’s legacy and the dedication of its staff. The exhibition not only honours the past but a sense of community and appreciation for those who continue to provide essential healthcare services. Visitors are encouraged to experience this remarkable display at Chertsey Museum before it concludes in April 2025.
The project is funded by the Association of Independent Museums and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, in collaboration with Chertsey Museum and Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals’ (ASPH) Healing Arts programme, which is part of the ASPH Charity.
Chertsey Museum is run by Runnymede Borough Council and charts the borough’s history from ancient times to the modern era.
Location:
Chertsey Museum
33 Windsor Street
Chertsey, KT16 8AT
For media enquiries relating to Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, please contact the trust Communications team via asp-tr.comms.mailbox@nhs.net or call 01972 722163.
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