The GWR Medical Fund

Swindon's role in shaping the NHS

Employees of Swindon Works through the Mechanics Institute created one of the first "Cradle to Grave" health care systems. It involved a small amount of money being deducted from their wages by the GWR and being deposited into a central medical fund run by the Mechanics Institute. This medical fund came into being in 1892.

It wouldn't be until 1948 that the whole nation would benefit from a health service that is allegedly based on the blueprint established by the GWR Medical Fund society. It is an everlasting legacy of the railway workers in Swindon that deserved to be integrated into the design.

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The blue and white colours combine to represent this incredible achievement and complete the intention of being based on the Borough motto, Saluritas Et Industria - Health & Industriousness.

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Photo of the GWR Medical Fund's Health Hydro pool taken by Rob Galati.