This year marks the 100th birthday of Rutland Memorial Hospital in Oakham. As part of the celebrations, Rutland residents are being invited to paint a picture of what it means to them.

Carla Yaxley, ward manager for the hospital's inpatient wards, will be one of the judges.

She said: "There is a great deal of affection locally for the hospital, and has been through the decades. But we suspect not many people know about the range of services we have here, or the number of NHS organisations we have here.

"The ward provides rehabilitation care and has a specialist palliative care suite. The hospital is also home to a range of outpatient clinics, a minor injuries centre, and a GP surgery.

"The theme of the painting competition is simply '100 years of Rutland Memorial Hospital', we hope artists of all ages will be inspired to unleash their creativity.

"It will also help us add to the visual experience for patients, visitors and staff."

There will be three age groups for the competition: up to 11 years old; from 12 to 17 years old; and 18 and over. Each winning entry will be framed and displayed within the hospital, and each winner will receive a £20 gift voucher.

Send your painting with your name, age and contact details to:

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Carla Yaxley

Rutland Ward

Rutland Memorial Hospital

Cold Overton Lane

Oakham

LE15 6NT 

by Friday, July 9, 2024.

Paintings should be no larger than A3 size, and the competition is restricted to those who live, work or study in Rutland. For queries about the competition, please contact [email protected] .

The hospital will also be holding an open day later in the year, where members of the public can find out more about the services it delivers today. More details will be announced closer to the time.

Rutland Memorial Hospital was officially opened in 1924. It was founded to remember local servicemen who died in World War I. The hospital has a plaque which says the following: "The Rutland County Hospital. Opened 1924. Erected to the honoured and loved memory of the men who in the terrible years of war 1914-1918 gave their lives for their country and their souls to God."

In 2023 the hospital underwent a £1.5m refurbishment programme to repair leaks, replace ageing boilers, make patient areas more comfortable, and to introduce more efficient lighting. It is currently owned and run by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust on behalf of the NHS as a whole.