Wigan Dispensary

The Wigan Dispensary was formed in 1798. Its aim
was to provide charitable medical assistance to the
very poor of the town, those unable to pay for
medicines themselves. From 1801 it had a building
in King Street. In 1873 it amalgamated with Wigan
Infirmary which opened in that year.
Today, ‘Dispensary’ suggests a pharmacy or chemist
shop. Back then it meant a place where general
healthcare was provided – dispensed – to patients.
Wigan Dispensary was the idea of Dr William
Caunce and he served as Honorary Physician to the
institution until 1831. Initially the Dispensary didn’t
live up to expectations. In 1824 the records admit
that its performance compared unfavourably with
similar institutions in neighbouring towns.
A fundamental re-organisation was needed.
The upgrade introduced a resident ‘House Surgeon’
and Matron, and increased the visiting ‘Honorary
Surgeons’ from one to three. John Latham was the
first House Surgeon. He gave a career long
commitment to Wigan and was later one of the
Dispensary’s Honorary Surgeons. When the Infirmary
opened he was its most senior medical practitioner,
a position he held until his death in 1879.

More here page 20

https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Docs/PDF/Resident/Leisure/Museums-and-archives/archives/Past-Forward/Past-Forward-Issue-75.pdf