Our History
A Caring Dream on Crank Hill: The History of Fairfield Independent Hospital
On a hillside in the village of Crank, near St Helens in Lancashire, stands Fairfield Independent Hospital—a unique institution born from a legacy of compassion, civic duty, and visionary philanthropy. Its story begins not as a hospital, but as a Victorian house built in 1861 by brewer Samuel Robinson, later extended by his son Joseph. Known locally as “Beer Castle,” Fairfield was a grand residence with ornate ceilings and a stately fireplace, nestled within the Rainford Hall Estate owned by the Pilkington family.
From 1919, Fairfield became the home of Colonel Guy Pilkington and his wife Margery, members of the influential Pilkington glass-making dynasty. Guy, a decorated war veteran and civic leader, and Margery, a Swedish-trained masseuse and wartime healthcare worker, were deeply committed to public service. Their residence at Fairfield was marked by a quiet dignity and a shared passion for healthcare, which would later inspire the transformation of their home into a place of healing for others.
Pilkington Family and Healthcare Legacy
The Pilkington family’s involvement in healthcare began decades earlier. In 1916, during World War I, Pilkington Brothers Limited established the St Helens Special Orthopaedic Hospital to treat wounded soldiers. The initiative was led by Dr. J.R. Kerr and supported by the Pilkington board, composed entirely of family members. The hospital was a pioneering facility, offering advanced orthopaedic surgery, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation services—available exclusively to enlisted men.
Margery Frost, later Margery Pilkington, was assigned to the hospital during the war. Her encounter with Guy, then recovering from injuries, led to a romance and marriage in 1917. Their shared commitment to care and community would later shape the future of Fairfield.
From Family Home to Memorial Nursing Home
After Guy’s death in 1970 and Margery’s in 1973, the Pilkington family faced a decision about the future of Fairfield House. Inspired by the comfort their parents had experienced in their final years, they resolved to convert the house into a nursing and residential home for the elderly. Thus, the Guy Pilkington Memorial Home was established in 1973 as a charitable limited company.
Dr. John Higham, who had cared for the couple, played a pivotal role in the transformation. With support from David and Arthur Pilkington, and a team of volunteers and local professionals, the home opened just months after Margery’s passing. It offered respite and residential care in a peaceful, dignified setting.
The Birth of Fairfield Independent Hospital
By 1975, it became clear that the region needed more private hospital facilities. Margaret Greenall, a respected nursing officer, was recruited as matron. Her leadership was instrumental in the evolution of the nursing home into a fully-fledged hospital. With support from Dr. Higham and the Pilkington family, plans were made to build an extension and convert Fairfield into an independent hospital.
A feasibility study confirmed the need, and fundraising efforts began. In 1976, Brigadier Sir Douglas Crawford led a successful appeal at Knowsley Hall. Construction began in 1977, and the Fairfield Independent Hospital officially opened on 23rd November 1979. The first patients were admitted in January 1980, and the first operation was performed that same month.
Expansion and Excellence
Fairfield quickly gained a reputation for excellence, particularly in orthopaedic surgery. The hospital’s theatre was equipped with a “Charnley Tent,” named after Sir John Charnley, a pioneer of hip replacement surgery. Consultants from Wrightington Hospital joined the team, and demand for Fairfield’s services grew rapidly.
Over the years, the hospital expanded significantly:
- 1983: The Arthur Pilkington Wing added outpatient facilities, en-suite bedrooms, a physiotherapy unit, and an Argo Pool.
- 1987: The David Pilkington Wing introduced 20 en-suite rooms, a day ward, and a twin operating theatre suite named after Leonard Wilcock.
- 1989: The Elisabeth Wing, named after Guy and Margery’s daughter, was dedicated to respite and terminal care in partnership with Macmillan Nurses.
Fairfield also acquired the freeholds of Fairfield House and Crank House in 1986, securing its long-term future.
Katie Piper Foundation Partnership
In 2019, Fairfield Independent Hospital was proud to work in partnership with the Katie Piper Foundation, the UK’s first live-in burns and scar rehabilitation service. Founded by author and philanthropist Katie Piper, the centre offered tailored care for adult patients recovering from burn injuries and scarring.
Working in collaboration with Fairfield, the Foundation provided a holistic approach to recovery, including scar management therapy, physiotherapy, and mental health support. Patients stayed in adapted bungalows on-site, allowing them to heal in a peaceful, non-clinical environment.
A New Chapter: Circle Health Group Acquisition
In April 2025, Fairfield Independent Hospital entered a new chapter in its distinguished history by joining the Circle Health Group, the UK’s largest network of independent hospitals. This strategic acquisition brought new investment, national expertise, and enhanced operational support—ensuring Fairfield’s continued growth and sustainability.
Throughout this transition, Fairfield retains its ethos and commitment to personalised care. The hospital continues to serve patients across Merseyside and beyond, offering fast access to consultants, modern facilities, and a warm, welcoming environment.
Conclusion
Fairfield Independent Hospital is more than a medical facility—it is a living tribute to the values of the Pilkington family and the community they served. From its origins as a Victorian family home to its transformation into a modern healthcare institution, Fairfield Independent Hospital embodies the spirit of service, dignity, and care.