Queen Alexandra Sanatorium, Davos, Switzerland

Papers relating to the foundation of the Sanatorium, including some pertaining to the Davos Invalids' Home; minutes of the local Board of Management in Switzerland; annual accounts; annual reports and other publications; and some patient records.

1890s-1950s

23 files; 7 volumes; 3 objects

In 1881, after the death of her husband, J.W. Lord, Mrs Lord opened a home in Davos, Switzerland, for the reception of consumptive and other ladies of limited means. In 1895 a committee was appointed to take over the home as a public institution, and it became 'The Davos Invalids Home'. In 1898 a plot of land was purchased with the intention of erecting an English Sanatorium in the area. In March 1903 Dr W.R. Huggard, British Vice-Consul at Davos, convened a meeting of residents and visitors to discuss the establishment of a sanatorium for English-speaking 'consumptive patients of small means'. Both London and Local Committees were formed, and the existing administration of the Davos Invalids Home became subsumed in these. Huggard became Chairman of the Local Committee, which developed into the Board of Management. Lord Balfour of Burleigh became President of the London-based Council. Queen Alexandra made a donation building fund, and consented to her name being given to the project. The object of the Queen Alexandra Sanatorium was 'to provide a cheap sanatorium in an Alpine climate for consumptive patients of small means, belonging to any English-speaking nationality.' It was aimed at those suffering from 'curable' tuberculosis and who could pay a small fee, but not afford hotel prices. The sanatorium opened on 15 Nov 1909. In 1910 a Benevolent Fund was started to assist necessitous cases. The Sanatorium ceased to function during the First World War. After the War, it was financially impossible to carry on activities on previous lines. The Sanatorium was closed, and the buildings sold. It was decided to use the remaining assets to establish a grant-giving Fund to enable patients of small means to obtain treatment at other sanatoria in Davos, and this developed into the Queen Alexandra Sanatorium Fund.

For the records of the Queen Alexandra Sanatorium Fund see SA/NPT/D.