Members of the Dennis family and Friends of Johnson Community Hospital attended a special presentation within the hospital grounds yesterday. During the event, Trevor Dennis graciously donated a £1,000 cheque to the Friends in memory of his late wife, Maureen Dennis, nee Mason who sadly passed away on March 22, 2021.
Ronald Trevor Dennis, born on March 3rd in Moulton Chapel, shared a remarkable and lifelong journey with his beloved wife, Maureen. Their story began in the earliest days of their lives, as they first met when they were just babies. Growing up as childhood friends and companions, their bond deepened over the years. By the time they were young teenagers, they had already committed themselves to each other, a commitment that would last a lifetime.
Trevor, as he is affectionately known by friends and family, has always been rooted in his community. He and Maureen were both christened and later married in St James’ Church. Their marriage in 1954 marked the beginning of a long and devoted partnership that continued until Maureen’s passing in March 2021.
Interestingly, his time in the Navy added a unique twist to his identity. Due to the presence of several other ‘Trevors’ in his intake, his comrades decided to call him “Ron.” Despite this nickname from his naval days, he remains Trevor to those who know him best in his home area.
Maureen Dennis, a devoted nurse, began her training in 1948. Born in Moulton Chapel on the 26th April 1932, began her nursing training at Queen Mary’s Children’s Hospital, Carshalton, Surrey in 1948, just a couple of months after the NHS was established 75 years ago. A pioneer of her time, the 16-year-old embarked on her nursing career, leaving her parents and her seven brothers and sisters to travel and study 150 miles from her home village. which would eventually see her working in the old Johnson Hospital on Priory Road.
Her training was rigorous and detailed. Her first notebook, written in her immaculate handwriting, give a fascinating glimpse into the medical knowledge, the nursing techniques and the academic demands placed on students at that time. It offers a fascinating glimpse into nursing education from that era. One notable entry reflects the nascent understanding of medical treatments at the time, with a note on adrenaline stating, “we’re not sure what it does”.
On behalf of Maureen, husband Ron, has made another generous donation, this time to the Johnson Community Hospital itself. Visitors may have already noticed the medical equipment exhibited in the hospital’s foyer, and soon Maureen’s notebooks will be displayed to commemorate Maureen’s significant contributions to the nursing profession.
Maureen’s husband Trevor, daughter Jacqui, and son Jeremy expressed their pride and joy in sharing Maureen’s quite remarkable life with the visitors to the hospital. Trevor, speaking on behalf of the family, stated: “Maureen loved being a nurse, and we thought it fitting that the Johnson should have these books so that people might see them and hopefully nurses might enjoy learning about someone who was really one of the pioneers of modern nursing. Maureen devoted herself to the profession and the patients she served. We are immensely proud of her.”
Jacqui also commented on the donation, saying, “Dad is a very generous person, and it is so typical of his pride in Mum and his kindness that he wants to donate a cheque to the Friends of Johnson Community Hospital.”
Pauline Start, a Friends’ member and fellow former nurse, also attended the presentation and reminisced about her long association with nursing. She began her career as a St John’s Nursing Cadet before she left school, working most weekends before starting her nursing training at Addenbrookes Hospital and later training as a midwife. She praised the dedication of nurses like Maureen, who laid the groundwork for modern nursing practices. She said: “After qualifying as a Nurse and training as a Midwife in Leicester, I worked both in the Maternity Unit and in the Community, later putting into place a modern way of Midwifery Team, one of only a handful in the Country. This was run from the Welland Hospital after the Priory Road Johnson Hospital closed. This Team is now run from the Johnson Community Hospital.”
The Friends of Johnson Community Hospital and the broader Spalding community are honoured to recognise the remarkable stories of dedication and service from nurses like Maureen Dennis and Pauline Start. Their contributions, spanning from the early days of the NHS to the present, continue to inspire and support the vital work of healthcare professionals.
Maureen Dennis, remembered for her dedication to nursing and her impactful career, left a legacy that continues to inspire the hospital community. Her family’s generous donations are a tribute to her memory and a testament to her passion for healthcare.
The Friends of Johnson Community Hospital expressed their deep gratitude for the donation. “We are so grateful to receive this donation,” Steve Weatherly-Barton, Friends’ Chairman and Hospital Chaplain stated. “The funds will be spent wisely and will go towards purchasing something special for the hospital, ensuring that Maureen’s legacy continues to benefit both staff and patients.”
This donation not only honours Maureen Dennis’ lifelong commitment to nursing but also exemplifies the enduring support and love from her family and the community. The Friends of Johnson Community Hospital are proud to commemorate her contributions and thanks the Dennis family for their generous support.