Hospital Celebrates 90 Years of Community Care

Published on: 25 Aug, 2026
Updated on: 25 Aug, 2026

Zöe Franklin MP cutting the ribbon over a display of Mount Alvernia’s history.

Mount Alvernia Hospital is celebrating more than 90 years of providing medical services.

Guildford’s MP, Zöe Franklin (Lib Dem), joined staff, doctors and specially invited guests to unveil a plaque and join the celebrations on Thursday, August 20.

Zöe Franklin MP with Miarah Lucas, Rosie Wilson and Mike Duerden.

Ms Franklin joined celebrations as the 47-bed private hospital in Harvey Road marked 91 years caring for patients across Surrey and West Sussex.

First opening as a nursing home in 1935 by the Franciscan Sisters (Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood), the hospital began with just 17 beds and a steadfast commitment to provide the patients in their care with compassion.

Between 1935 and 1989, the sisters delivered over 20,000 babies, with developments between the 1950s and 1980s seeing the hospital expand steadily to include additional inpatient wards, operating theatres and specialist services.

Now part of Circle Health Group, the hospital continues to play a pivotal role supporting patients and their loved ones across Surrey and West Sussex. In recent years, the hospital became the first healthcare provider in Surrey to offer robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery, in addition to treating thousands of private and NHS patients.

Zöe Franklin with Rosie Wilson meeting staff at the hospital.

On arrival, Ms Franklin was met by Rosie Wilson, director of Clinical Services, who herself was born at the hospital. Ms Franklin was then taken on a tour of the hospital, seeing first-hand how the facility has grown to become a major provider of hospital services to the community. During her visit, she also met some of the hospital’s very first patients.

The tour concluded with a visit to the chapel, where Ms Franklin was given the opportunity to meet some of the “Mount Alvernia Babies” who had been specially invited to the celebrations.

A plaque was unveiled by Ms Franklin to mark Mount Alvernia Hospital’s anniversary. The visit concluded with an afternoon tea, where Ms Franklin spoke to staff, doctors and guests.

Zöe Franklin viewing the Mount Alvernia Hospital history wall with guests.

Commenting on the visit, Zöe Franklin said: “It was wonderful to be able to join in Mount Alvernia’s celebrations and unveil the commemorative plaque marking their anniversary.

It was a particular joy to meet a number of ‘Mount Alvernia Babies’ who were born at the hospital during its time as a nursing home.

“I’m delighted that Guildford’s residents have access to top-quality care at Mount Alvernia and I would like to say a huge thank you to Rosie and the team for showing me around.”

Rosie Wilson added: “Mount Alvernia Hospital holds a special place in so many hearts across our community and it’s been a privilege to have Zöe visit us today.

“Our hospital has grown enormously since it first opened in 1935, but our commitment to providing the patients in our care with an outstanding and compassionate experience has been there throughout. We are all looking forward to the next 90 years!”