​​Royal Navy Hospital Haslar​

​​The hospital had a capacity of 1,100 beds and was staffed by surgeons, doctors and the Queen Alexandra Royal Naval Nursing Service (QARNNS). With the approach of Operation Overlord, Haslar was designated as a Ports Hospital to be used to treat the wounded returning from Normandy. Only those with serious wounds were be bought back to Haslar for treatment. As part of the planning, the hospital capacity was reduced to 400 beds, because the bomb shelters at the hospital only had capacity for 400 beds plus staff. The intention was that once the wounded were stabilised, they would be moved further inland to other hospitals for recovery.

​The hospital basement contained two modern operating theatres with three tables each. The surgical divisions were divided into two halves, the senior surgeon tasked with making all difficult decisions. There were eight operating teams consisting of surgeons, anaesthetists and theatre sisters.

​After the Allied landings in Normandy on 6 June 1944, the hospital very quickly began to receive casualties evacuated on 7 June. Thanks to the pre-planned organisation, the hospital went into full swing early on. The QARNNS triaged the casualties at the reception area before they were moved on for treatment. The fire watch teams at the hospital were utilised to assist as stretcher bearers. Records show that on one day alone, 86 casualties were received and assessed within one hour and ten minutes, thus proving the effectiveness of the staff at Haslar.

​The hospital was also home to the first blood bank of the Royal Naval Blood Transfusion Service. Volunteers regularly supplied blood that was used to save many people’s lives.

​More information can be obtained from the Haslar Heritage Group.