Memories of St Andrew's Hospital & the Burns Unit

By Ian Fuller

I came to Billericay for the first time in February 1956. After initial treatment at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington following an accident at work resulting in a broken arm, I was transferred to Billericay Hospital for follow-up treatment.  Recently re-housed by the then LCC in Hutton I had little idea where Billericay was, let alone its hospital. I discovered that City Buses went to Billericay. Getting off of the bus near the Police Station I walked the length of the High Street to eventually find St Andrew’s Hospital. On a return visit for a minor operation in 1970 they produced a dusty folder containing my original notes from 1956. I wonder what became of them.

On a day in 1982 on my daily communte to work along the High Street to Chelmsford I was surprised to find it completely devoide of cars and lined with no waiting signs.  I later discovered it was being kept clear for a Royal visitor who wwas due to open the then new burns unit in the hosptial.

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  • My nan couldn’t speak highly enough of this unit. She was a regular patient throughout her life as she burnt herself as a child. Strangely enough I cut my face and hands in an accident and needed emergency plastic surgery in 1990 and was transferred there from London. Amazing place.

    By Johanne Spencer (17/07/2023)
  • I am an old nurse from Billericay Burns Unit. |I read Ian Simpson wants to contact me. I still live in Essex. I am Michael Inness. please contact me, I know my work was worthwhile. good lad.

    By michael inness (31/05/2023)
  • A nurse called Michael treated me in the burns unit when I was 5 in 1995 and would really like to thank him. Is there a way I can contact him?

    By Ian Simpson (09/02/2023)
  • I was in Billericay Burns Unit in 1995 after a fire destroyed my Mum’s house and left me with over 50% 3rd degree burns. They were wonderful and a specific nurse called Michael was my true saviour I would love to meet him and thank him but don’t know how to initiate contact.

    By Ian Simpson (07/02/2023)
  • My mother, Mrs Joan Cox, was a nurse in the team that set up the Burns Unit in Billericay. That role was always a matter of great pride. As a child, I saw her empathy for those under treatment, often in great pain. Sadly she died in December.
    Her funeral will take place at Nene Valley Crematorium, 305 Doddington Road, Wellingborough NN8 2NX (01933 229660) on Tuesday 31 January 2023 at 12.00GMT. There will be a live link to the crematorium service if you wish to join virtually live.
    Flowers or donation to Cancer Research to be received by the undertakers, Hollowells Funeral Directors, 148 Beech Avenue, Northampton NN3 2JN.

    By Nigel Cox (10/01/2023)
  • I had my toe transplanted to my thumb after a bike accident in 1986-87. At the time this was pioneering surgery. Many thanks to the Surgeons and re-hab team.

    By N. Ragon (12/10/2022)
  • I’d like to thank this hospital for reconstructing my foot after it was crushed when I was around 5 years old I’m now 37 and wonder if you would still have my records.

    By Steven cooper (11/02/2022)
  • 3rd degree burn to my hand left me visiting St. Andrews in 1977. I spent a lot of time there that year and many years after. Would not have a hand if it weren’t for all the surgeons and nurses.

    By Bridie Murphy (09/11/2021)
  • Hi I too had a 25000 volt shock on the railway in 1987 and would like to thanks all the girls and surgeons. I do remember surgeon CC Walker for saving my leg and two nurses, one named Ann and one named Evi , thank you all.

    By Shaun wells (26/09/2019)
  • I thank St Andrews Hospital for saving my life after I was electricuted on the railway in 1974

    By Anthony Cilia (30/05/2018)

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