1862 – Foundation
The Surgical Aid Society is founded in London by City lawyer, William Watson.
Our History
Our History
We became known as Dementia Carers Count in 2018, but the organisation has a rich history beginning over 150 years earlier.
The Surgical Aid Society was founded in June 1862 by William Watson, a City lawyer, with the aim of distributing medical and surgical aids to those in need. Up until the year 2000 the Society provided a total of 1,929,210 surgical aids to those in need; not only in the UK, but in many other countries across the world. When the National Health Service took over this work, the Society set up homes to care for older people, including people with dementia.
Edward VII became our first Royal patron in 1901. George V succeeded him in 1910 and two years later granted the ‘Royal’ title so that we became the Royal Surgical Aid Society. Dementia Carers Count still retains its Royal status today.
On our 150th anniversary the Board agreed that we should focus on supporting family carers of people with dementia. Our new name, Dementia Carers Count, was chosen to reflect our renewed mission and purpose.
Timeline
1871 – Providing Operations
The Society’s own surgeons begin operating on patients.
1883 – First Office
The Society opens its first branch office in Croydon
1901 – Royal Patronage
Edward VII becomes Patron of the Society
1912 – Society’s Golden Jubilee
Royal Patron George V grants us our ‘Royal’ title.
1914 – First World War
The Royal Surgical Aid Society as we’re now known – or RSAS for short – helps British soldiers and Belgian refugees
1921 – School Children’s Spectacles
The Society provides glasses to children who can’t afford them.
1948 – the National Health Service
The newly formed National Health Service takes over the supply of surgical aids.
2012 – 150th Anniversary
RSAS’s 150th anniversary brings a change of direction, to support family carers of people with dementia.
2017 – A new strategy
2018 – Dementia Carers Count
Launching as Dementia Carers Count in 2018, our new name reflects our focused purpose and mission.