70 years of the PEH

Friday 21 June 2019

The Princess Elizabeth Hospital is launching an exhibition this weekend in celebration of its 70th birthday, featuring "never seen before" photos.

Visitors can expect some nostalgia at Sunday's event, with old images and stories of the hospital from the past seven decades.

The audio and visual exhibition is being launched on 23 June to mark exactly 70 years since the Princess Elizabeth opened the hospital in 1949.

As part of the celebration, Health and Social Care has been appealing over the past few months for former PEH patients and staff to come forward with any photos or memories they have of the hospital.

Pictured: The exhibition features photos, audio and information from the hospital's early years.

With all the information now collated, the exhibition is ready to go on display to the public.

It will be officially opened by HSC President Deputy Heidi Soulsby at 11:00 and will include many photos of both the building itself and hospital staff before and after the German Occupation, as well as audio recordings from those who have been involved over the years.

Between 11:30 and 12:00 there will be a celebratory service in the Emma Ferbrache room delivered by the Chaplaincy Team, with readings, poetry and a performance from the Hope choir.

Pictured: Part of the exhibition which will open on Sunday.

Following that, a special anniversary menu will be available in the Gloucester Restaurant until 14:00 along with free face painting and live music.

"It's such a privilege to be part of this celebration for the PEH," said Culture, Arts and Health Manager for HSC, Lottie Barnes. "Having collated so many historical photographs and hearing some of the poignant stories for the exhibition, you realise what an integral part of island life the PEH has played and continues to play."

Deputy Soulsby added: "It's an honour to take part in and celebrate with the public such a significant landmark event for the PEH. All the hard work and care contributed by former and present day employees continues to underpin the unique bond between the PEH and the community. I very much look forward to opening this exhibition and enjoying the other activities."