The hospital was founded in 1893 by Mrs Katherine Love, a member of a family of generous
local benefactors living on the Hawkhills estate near Easingwold. At first it was known as
Easingwold Cottage Hospital but later renamed St Monica's after the remarkable 4th century
mother of the great St Augustus.
Taken over by the state in 1948, the hospital is now designated a Community Hospital. It is administered by the York Health Services NHS Trust, providing nursing and medical care for the acutely ill, chronically ill and convalescent as well as respite care, day care, minor casualty treatment, physiotherapy and, since 1993, occupational therapy.
The League of Friends of St Monica's Hospital was founded in 1969 to support and promote the work of the hospital, their main aim then being to provide a Physiotherapy unit which opened in 1969. Since its foundation, the League of Friends has worked tirelessly to raise funds for various projects to meet nursing and medical needs.
To mark the centenary in June 1993 of the hospital's foundation, the Friends of St Monica's, with the support of the York Health Services NHS Trust, launched the Centenary Appeal with the aim of raising £150,000 to provide an Occupational Therapy unit and to upgrade the Day Room and other facilities. Thanks to the overwhelming support of the people of Easingwold and district the whole amount was raised and the unit was opened by HRH the Duchess of Kent in October 1993. In 1994 a Garden Room extension to the Day Room was built at a cost of £48,000.
The League of Friends of St Monica's Hospital is registered charity No. 513694. Further details concerning membership can be obtained from :-
The Honorary Membership Secretary
Friends of St Monica's Hospital Office
St Monica's Hospital, Long Street, Easingwold, York YO61 3JD
Tel: (01347) 822225 / Fax: (01347) 821046
St Monica's Hospital - Tel: (01347) 821214