STAFF at Hollins Park Hospital, where tens of thousands of soldiers were treated during the First World War, held a service to mark Remembrance Day.

The facility’s predecessor Winwick Hospital became known as the Lord Derby Hospital during the war, with more than 56,000 injured and shell-shocked soldiers tended to at the site between 1915 and 1920.

On Monday, November 12, North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust staff, governors and volunteers attended a service to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War.

Chaplain Rev Pam Lovatt led the service, with trust chief executive Simon Barber, chairman Helen Bellairs and volunteers laying wreaths made by patients in Hollins Park Hospital’s memorial garden.

Attendees then observed a two-minute silence.

Ms Bellairs said: “We are extremely proud to hold a service of remembrance to commemorate 100 years since the First World War ended.

“Our facility at Winwick was one of the largest military hospitals in the UK at the time, providing vital care for British and commonwealth soldiers.”

Volunteer Stella McGeachin was among those who gave a reading during the service.

She added: “We were honoured to attend the remembrance service and to read a poem by war poet Ivor Gurney, who was treated at the Lord Derby Hospital due to shell shock.

“It’s so important that we remember and pay our respects to those who gave their lives for our country as well as those who worked tirelessly to save the lives of countless soldiers.”