Models - Community Hospitals

Community hospitals offer a range of service which typically includes community beds, clinics, therapy services, diagnostic services and urgent care for minor injuries.  A number of hospitals offer services such as maternity, surgery, renal dialysis. 

The following examples illustrate the range of services and facilities that community hospitals with beds currently provide. Reviews are sourced from our networks, Trust websites and NHS choices.

Swaffham Community Hospital, Norfolk

Swaffham Community Hospital was built to commemorate Queen Victoria's golden jubilee in 1887 and opened the following year. It now offers an 18-bed general rehabilitation ward, as well as clinics such as diabetes, anticoagulation, X-Ray, continence, speech therapy, podiatry, dermatology, physiotherapy, contraceptive and sexual health services. The hospital serves a population or around 148,000 people across west Norfolk. The community hospital is supported by an active League of Friends, who provide volunteers, and also fund equipment and improvements to the building.

Swanage hospital was built in 1894. The hospital has 15 in-patient beds, a Minor Injuries Unit, X-ray and ultrasound, day surgery, endoscopy services and physiotherapy.  Clinics are offered from Consultants from three acute hospitals. Support for the community is shown through the provision of a meals-on-wheels service, school meals service, and assistance given to community groups.  The hospital is accredited for its end of life care and its surgery. The hospital is very well supported by a very committed Friends of Swanage Hospital. The Friends benefit from donations and legacies, and in 2017 spent £185k on equipment, building work and staff training.

"Swaffham is a perfect example of how you can provide excellent, high quality care to people closer to where they live, helping to keep them out of busy and stretched acute hospitals. Not only is that good for the patient, but is also good for the NHS."
Michael Scott, CEO Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust

"Thank you for looking after me, making me feel better when I got down and encouraging me to do things I didn't think I could do." Patient

"The care and attention (shown to my wife) was exemplary. Staff had an ever present concern for the comfort and peace of mind of all of patients and a cheerful atmosphere prevailed at all times." Family Member

"Thank you very much for all the kindness and caring you gave me while I was in your care. I would fully recommend your care to anyone.  They will get first class treatment and attention." Patient


Swanage Hospital, Dorset

Swanage hospital was built in 1894. The hospital has 15 in-patient beds, a Minor Injuries Unit, X-ray and ultrasound, day surgery, endoscopy services and physiotherapy.  Clinics are offered from Consultants from three acute hospitals. Support for the community is shown through the provision of a meals-on-wheels service, school meals service, and assistance given to community groups.  The hospital is accredited for its end of life care and its surgery. The hospital is very well supported by a very committed Friends of Swanage Hospital. The Friends benefit from donations and legacies, and in 2017 spent £185k on equipment, building work and staff training.

"The hospital is held in very high regard by the town of Swanage." Chair, League of Friends

"The care provided was thorough, professional and reassuring with almost no waiting time before I was seen. We are very lucky to have such a wonderful hospital within our town which is much appreciated by all the residents. Well done Swanage Hospital and thank you." Patient in MIU

"The hospital environment was very clean but bright and cheerful and finally the nursing staff were helpful, caring but professional and respectful.  Our thanks to all staff involved in the management of such a gem of a hospital." Patient

"I can't recommend this small hospital and the staff to people enough." Patient.


John Coupland Hospital, Lincolnshire

Swanage hospital was built in 1894. The hospital has 15 in-patient beds, a Minor Injuries Unit, X-ray and ultrasound, day surgery, endoscopy services and physiotherapy. Clinics are offered from Consultants from three acute hospitals. Support for the community is shown through the provision of a meals-on-wheels service, school meals service, and assistance given to community groups. The hospital is accredited for its end of life care and its surgery. The hospital is very well supported by a very committed Friends of Swanage Hospital. The Friends benefit from donations and legacies, and in 2017 spent £185k on equipment, building work and staff training.

"I have used this hospital on several occasions in the past and cannot recommend it enough. Many many thanks to all of the staff." Patient

"Staff were great and efficient." Patient

"I would recommend John Coupland to anyone with a minor injury. This is why we need to keep our community hospitals open and funded, as their care is second to none." Patient