Trust Awarded 50,000 Pounds to Capture 50 Years

University Hospital of North Staffordshire is urging people of all ages to share their hospital experiences from the last 50 years. The Royal Infirmary will eventually be demolished after the new 400 million pound hospital at the City General site opens in 2012. The Trust has been awarded 50,000 pounds from the Heritage Lottery Fund to preserve some of the culture and history of the hospital.

'If Wards Could Talk' aims to record peoples memories and experience of the hospitals. Ian Lawley, a historian and former Stoke-on-Trent museums director, will lead the project. He said: "Stoke-on-Trent's hospitals have a long history. Remains of a mediaeval hospital were found at the City General site, which also includes the former parish workhouse buildings. The Royal Infirmary at Hartshill was one of the earliest hospitals to be built on the pavilion system favoured by Florence Nightingale. With 650,000 patient visits a year I think a lot of people in North Staffordshire will feel some connection with the hospitals."

Ian is appealing for photographs, film footage, objects, and, above all, personal stories that throw light on the life of the hospitals. He said: "When the new hospital takes shape these familiar landmarks will disappear and become part of our history. We need to record the stories of staff and patients, buildings and architecture, and changing medical practice for future generations to enjoy. I imagine there will be many unusual and personal memories of daily life in the hospital."

Dr Gavin Russell has seen more of the Royal Infirmary than most people. He said: "The North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary has been part of my life for upwards of 35 years. Over the years it has developed into a rabbit warren of facilities connected together in a total confusion of corridors. I now work in an office that was the room I occupied as a resident back in 1973. This is illustrative of changing times and the Infirmary has struggled to continue to adapt. Many changes have occurred to enable top class services for the population but the Infirmary's time is now nigh."

"It is after all a tremendous Victorian achievement but not able to provide 21st Century care. The founding of the hospital is based on benevolence. This spirit in my view has continued in the way that the doctors and nurses have continued to do their best for the local population. It is important though to continue the reflection of the values that has driven medicine in the Royal Infirmary over the years and I hope this grant will help smooth the transition of the environments in which we deliver hospital care to the people of North Staffordshire."

An 'If Wards Could Talk' launch event will be held on Thursday 27 May at The Medical Institute, Hartshill, between noon and 2.00pm. Anyone with a story to tell or would like to take part in the project, is welcome to attend. Or you can contact Ian Lawley on 01782 614003 or email ian.lawley@tiscali.co.uk.