Ninewells Hospital celebrates its 50th Anniversary in style

A week-long celebration was held to mark 50 years since the official opening of Ninewells Hospital.

On 23 October 1974, Her Majesty The Queen Mother had the honour of opening Ninewells Hospital. This was the culmination of almost a decade of construction work to create the first new teaching hospital in Britain since the 19th century and the largest hospital in Europe at the time.

From tucking in to a 1970s themed meal at lunchtime, to teddy bears popping in for some TLC, there has been lots going on to celebrate this incredible milestone.

Today a celebratory event was held in the Ian Low Centre at Ninewells. Staff and volunteers were invited to grab a celebratory cake and take in some live music. They were also joined by the Lord Lieutenant of Dundee and the Deputy Lieutenants of Angus and Perth and Kinross. A brand new plaque was unveiled by the Chair of the Tayside NHS Board, Lorna Birse-Stewart to commemorate 50 years of Ninewells Hospital. This plaque will be displayed below the original plaque that was unveiled in 1974. A tree was also planted at the entrance to the site to mark the occasion.

Other festivities included:

Tayside Children’s Hospital hosted a tea party for patients
The staff canteen hosted a 1970s meal, with prawn cocktail and black forest gateaux on the menu.
University of Dundee medical students hosted a Teddy Bear Hospital for local nursery children where they found out what happens in a healthcare setting.
Special birthday video messages from familiar faces were posted on social media throughout the week as well as a series of ‘In Conversation’ videos where long-standing members of staff who spoke about their time at Ninewells.

Chair of Tayside NHS Board Lorna Birse-Stewart said, “It has been wonderful to see so many people, both staff, former staff and members of our community, celebrate with us for Ninewells Hospital’s 50th Anniversary. This golden milestone in the history of Ninewells offers us an important opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has worked at the hospital over the last 50 years.

“It’s a real privilege to be leading this organisation as Chair for this special milestone.”

Chief Executive Nicky Connor added, “When Ninewells was built, the hospital’s futuristic innovative design was much admired by all who visited as it was so different to the other hospitals in Tayside at that time.

“The large bright open wards, the state-of-the-art theatres and diagnostics, plus the entrance concourse, made for a completely different experience for patients, visitors and staff.

“It is safe to say that since its opening, Ninewells Hospital has touched many thousands of lives across Tayside over the last 50 years in many different ways. We look forward to continuing this legacy of care and innovation for many years to come.”

The Tayside Charitable Foundation also used the anniversary to raise vital funds for the people of Tayside. The Foundation 50 Fundraising encouraged fundraisers to carry out 50 days of fundraising activities.

All of the funds raised will support NHS Services to help the people of Tayside live better and longer lives.

Shelley McCarthy, Charity Chief Officer of NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation said “This fundraiser was our first ever large scale fundraising campaign and it has been great to see everyone get involved, from sponsored walks, cycling challenges and tea parties we are so grateful for the support from NHS teams and the wider community.”

In case you might have missed it, our social media channels are host to a range of photographs and videos showcasing Ninewells Hospital throughout the decades. Follow @NHSTayside on social media and visit www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk for more.