NHS 70: Before and after

July 4, 2018

The first photograph above is of “Matron Ashworth and Assistant Matron Harding with sisters” and was taken at the Sandwell hospital site in 1927, when it was known as Hallam Hospital.

But fast forward 91 years and the health service is a very different place.

The re-enactment, taken in the exact same spot, outside what we now know as Trust HQ, shows a more multi-cultural and modern NHS.

We released the photographs to mark the 70th birthday of the NHS.

Even though the old picture was taken 19 years before the NHS was established it still captures the beginnings of what went onto become one of the most valued health care systems in the world.

We will have more old pictures on show at our tea party at Sandwell Hospital today. Head over to the Berridge Suite between 10am and 2pm to take a look.