Spitfire’s fly past marks Queen Victoria Hospital’s proud heritage

The staff and patients at Queen Victoria Hospital were honoured to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day on Friday 8 May with a special Spitfire fly past.
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The hospital has a proud heritage which includes the treatment and rehabilitation of injured WWII airmen under the guidance of pioneering plastic surgeon Archibald McIndoe and his team, a spokeswoman said.

She added: “As WWII progressed they treated a growing number of casualties with severe injuries which led to McIndoe looking at new ways to treat burns including use of saline to bathe them, and evolving plastic surgery techniques to become more effective in restoring wounded skin and tissue.

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“Those who underwent two surgeries performed by McIndoe were eligible to join the Guinea Pig Club, so called because of the experimental techniques used to treat them, which was founded at the hospital in 1941.

QVH staff enjoy the Spitfire fly pass SUS-200513-170345001QVH staff enjoy the Spitfire fly pass SUS-200513-170345001
QVH staff enjoy the Spitfire fly pass SUS-200513-170345001

“The Spitfire fly pass was a fitting tribute to McIndoe and his legacy of treating the whole person, both physically and psychologically, which lives on at Queen Victoria Hospital today. It continues to be known as a leading specialist centre for reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation, with national and international recognition for pioneering new and innovative treatments.”

Many of the hospital’s staff and patients gathered at a social distance on the hospital’s front lawn to hear the roar of the Spitfire’s merlin engine and to cheer as it did a roll of honour over right over the top of the grounds.

Staff and patients had made banners and bunting which were proudly displayed.

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People across East Grinstead also took to their gardens and streets to see the plane which carried a special thank you NHS message on the underside of the fuselage.

The Spitfire flies past the QVH SUS-200513-170358001The Spitfire flies past the QVH SUS-200513-170358001
The Spitfire flies past the QVH SUS-200513-170358001

Steve Jenkin, chief executive of Queen Victoria Hospital, said: “We are proud of our heritage and the life changing support we continue to provide to our patients today, thanks to the dedication and commitment of all of our staff.

“Just as our hospital had a part to play during WWII, today we are again taking on an important role, this time by supporting patients with cancer as a surgical centre during COVID-19.

“It is a wonderful tribute to mark a very special hospital.”

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Lt Col Tania Cubison FRCS(Plast) of the Royal Army Medical Corp who is also deputy medical director at Queen Victoria Hospital, added: “During WWII, Queen Victoria Hospital, under the guidance of Sir Archibald McIndoe, played a key role in providing treatment for badly burned airmen and laying the foundations for modern plastic surgery.

Staff at the QVH SUS-200513-170409001Staff at the QVH SUS-200513-170409001
Staff at the QVH SUS-200513-170409001

“His approach to treating patients holistically, looking at the whole person’s physical and mental wellbeing, is a legacy that lives on in our work at the hospital today.

“We continue to pioneer techniques for the treatment of burns and soft tissue reconstruction, and strive to provide the best possible care for our patients.”

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