Whipps Cross University Hospital, which has served the community for more than 100 years, is to be the subject of a research project looking at the war years.

Before the First World War, the Leytonstone hospital was known as the West Ham Union Infirmary, an overcrowded institution formed by the West Ham Board of Guardians, stewards of the West Ham Poor Law.

The first operating theatre opened in 1913 due to an increasing demand on the hospital’s resources and began performing 350 operations a year.

During the war, the hospital cared for 6,000 wounded soldiers from the Western Front, placing much pressure and distress on the hospital’s staff.

Photographs of the hospital at the time offer a unique insight into wartime domestic healthcare - including a picture of a matron handing a wounded soldier a cigarette.

Eastside Community Heritage (ECH) and Waltham Forest council are organising sessions with residents to help with the final exhibition.

During the coming year, ECH will work closely with Waltham Forest Libraries, Vestry House Museum and the Barts Health Trust Archives at Whipps Cross University Hospital to collect stories through oral histories.

‘The War Hospital: Stories from Whipps Cross’ will tour libraries upon completion.

Chris Robbins, leader of the council, said: “We hope this heritage project will give people a real insight into the part a much-valued local hospital played during the First World War.

“One hundred years may have passed since the start of World War One but the legacy of those who helped the war effort lives on.

“Therefore, we want to create opportunities for residents to discover stories from Waltham Forest and understand the impact the conflict had on people living and working here.”

Sessions are open to those with a personal or family connection to the hospital during the First and Second World Wars, as well as anyone interested in the project.

To find out more about the sessions at Whipps Cross Hospital, contact Eastside Community Heritage at: 020 8553 3116 or office@ech.org.uk.