“Caring since 1885” is more than a slogan. It is the ethos of the Institut hospitalier franco-britannique – Site Barbès. This hospital has a rich history. It represents the merging of two significant hospitals.
Let’s delve into the story of the Institut hospitalier franco-britannique – Site Barbès. It began with the Hertford British Hospital. This was founded in 1872. The Notre-Dame du Perpétuel Secours hospital followed in 1885. These two merged in 2008. They adopted the name Institut hospitalier Franco-Britannique.
The Hertford British Hospital owes its existence to Sir Richard Wallace. He was a generous philanthropist. Sir Richard Wallace inherited a fortune. It came from the fourth Marquis of Hertford. He founded the hospital to care for English nationals in Paris. Soon it opened its doors to all.
Sir Richard Wallace also gifted Wallace fountains to Paris. He bequeathed the Wallace Art Collection to Great Britain. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, supported the hospital. She was its honorary president from 1936 to 2003.
The Notre-Dame du Perpétuel Secours hospital also has an interesting past. Madame de Vatismenil founded the Œuvre du Perpétuel Secours association in 1885. Generous donations allowed it to acquire land in Levallois-Perret. The Œuvre du Perpétuel Secours was recognized for its public service. This happened as early as 1892. The hospital was rebuilt in 1987. It was modernized again between 2004 and 2007.
Since January 1 2021 the Franco-British Hospital has been part of the Cognacq-Jay Foundation. Ernest Cognacq and Marie-Louise Jaÿ founded this foundation in 1916. They were the creators of the La Samaritaine department stores. The foundation aims to develop social solidarity initiatives.
The Institut hospitalier franco-britannique – Site Barbès stands as a testament to Franco-British collaboration. It embodies a commitment to healthcare. It started as two separate entities. Now, it continues to serve the community. The hospital provides comprehensive medical services. It has evolved to meet the needs of a changing world. It started with a vision of care. It continues with a mission of healing.