IHM History
What are our roots?
Today’s healthcare professionals can enjoy membership of a professional organisation for manager’s that has been around for more than 100 years. Click on the time line below to learn a little about our history.
At the beginning of the 20th century there were many hundreds of hospitals in England. The voluntary hospitals were well established and most major towns and cities had at least one general hospital. London in particular was well provided. There were also well over 600 cottage hospitals. Local authority hospitals were also in being. These were predominantly Poor Law infirmaries and other hospitals established by local authorities to meet their obligations under various legislation to cater for the mentally ill and those suffering from infectious diseases.
To find out more about life at the beginning of the Edwardian age click here.
Between 1920 to 1940 the membership level raised to 500, the first Annual Conference was held and Miss Sproule, Pharmacist became the first female council member. To find out more abou this time please click here.
During 1940 to 1960 membership leaped to 1,077 and recognition that law and practice is different in England, Scotland and Wales was identified. For more on the history of the IHM during these years please click here.
In the time of 1960 to 1980 membership regulations changed to admit as Licentiates those who have an approximate qualification but have not yet gained much career experience. The Hospital also launched itself as Hospital and Health Services Review. For more detail on this era please click here.
The 1990's experienced a major internal re-organisation, whilst increased contact with media helped give the IHSM a public profile. For an update on the 90's, please click here.
