Farewell to City: Reflecting on a lifetime of memories with Paul Lilly
December 18, 2024
The closure of City Hospital in November 2024 prompted many colleagues to reflect on their experiences at the iconic Victorian hospital. The recurring themes focused on memories, friendships, and how this one hospital had played such a big part in so many lives.
Paul Lilly, Digital Lead Nurse, shares: “It all began in November 1990 when I embarked on my nursing career at the then Sandwell School of Nursing, now the Education Centre. I can still recall the lively classrooms, where chalkboard erasers flew as a teaching aid from tutors – usually aimed at me when my answers missed the mark. It was a time when nursing was evolving, and I had the distinction of being the only male nurse in my cohort, I’d like to think I was a rare sight in those days, but my pillar box red dreadlocks meant I never went unnoticed (it was the 90s).
“I was in good company as Jo Harvey was in my training group and one of my early mentors was the amazing Rose Butler (OBE), and of course my mother, Dorothy Lilly, who worked for many years within the Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy departments. She would just be passing by which translated into make sure he’s doing some work”.
“In 1994, after qualifying, I took my first steps into the professional world at the Midland Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Smethwick. Although the centre closed in 1995, my brief time there set me up for my return to City Hospital. I worked at the West Midlands Poisons Unit, where every day brought its share of surprises.
“Working alongside Julie Thompson, we handled cases for some exceptionally vulnerable people as well as experiencing some very ‘interesting’ cases and there was never a dull moment. One of my fondest memories of this time is skateboarding down corridors at night until the management decided it needed to stop, it was however a very effective mode of transport”.
2000 marked a pivotal moment in Paul’s career as he joined Critical Care at City Hospital. “This role spanned nearly two decades and was challenging and rewarding. I developed professionally, learned invaluable lessons and worked with extraordinary teams and individuals who constantly inspired me. After a brief departure, I returned in 2018, and in 2021, I moved into my current role as Digital Lead Nurse to contribute to the modernisation and innovation efforts of SWB, again supported by a fantastic team within Informatics. I have been blessed with exceptional and inspirational managers throughout my career.”
It wasn’t just the place that made City Hospital special – it was the people too. “Looking back, I think about all the fantastic people I’ve met over the years. Having supportive and funny colleagues made even the tough days more bearable. Some have become lifelong friends, and some are sadly no longer with us (but always present in spirit). I am grateful for their encouragement, support and special ‘nurse humour’… usually at my expense.”
Paul added: “City Hospital holds a special place in my heart. I have walked (and skateboarded) miles through its corridors and sometimes felt accompanied by the fabled Grey Lady. While I no longer walk those familiar halls and wards, a part of City Hospital will always remain with me.
“And if you hear a whirring wheel noise around the vacated site, it may just be a grey lady on a confiscated skateboard.”