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The Ardrossan Community Hospital Inc., (formerly The Ardrossan
and District's Hospital) was opened in 1914, by public subscription, in response to the need for a facility to
service the local community.
In late 1913 a Board of provisional directors was formed; there was tremendous local support. A Limited Liability
Company was formed with capital of £2,500.00.00d ($5,000.00) comprising 100 shares at £25.00.00d ($50.00)
each. After a public meeting in 1928 the shareholders decided to sell their interest in the Hospital, and in 1930
a Board of Management, with representatives from the town and district, was appointed to administer the Hospital.
The Hospital has been operated by a Board of Management ever since except for the period 1960 - 1963. During this
time it was leased to the then Matron who managed it for two years and achieved a profit for the first time. She
and her husband were the only staff members.
Financial viability has been difficult to maintain throughout the hospital's history. These problems were addressed
by appealing to the residents of the district on an annual basis for donations in order to keep the Hospital open.
The original building has been extended over the years, and the property at 35 Fifth Street was repurchased (the
Hospital had originally owned this block) in order to allow room for further expansion. In addition, the block
at 30 Fifth Street was purchased and the Hostel built in 1981.
The property at 34 Fifth Street was purchased, and remained as a residence for the second doctor in the town until
1998 when it was sold.
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