Colchester Hospital – how decades of campaigning bore fruit

Even now, as it approaches its 40th birthday, there are ongoing projects to improve the hospital yet further.

Appeal – money is raised for the Gazette's sparkle appeal project in 2003 (Image: Terry Weeden)

The East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) is currently investing in a new elective orthopaedic centre which will cost £64 million, with the trust now devising plans to move the hospital’s day surgery unit and endoscopy unit into larger refurbished spaces.

Caring – Sarah Amos with two-year-old Stephanie Reeves in 1989 (Image: Des Blake)

But the biggest job was getting the hospital built in the first place.

Plans were first drawn up for the hospital as far back as 1962, but with the Department of Health holding the purse strings, it fell to the then Colchester MP Tony Buck to push for the facility’s construction.

Coffee break – staff nurses Tim Simmonds and Gail Bridges, sister Lynn O'Keeffe, and staff nurse Mandy Stannard in 1987 (Image: Unknown)

After years of effort, the then social services secretary, David Ennals, pledged to get the project over the line.

During that time, however, Colchester felt like Essex’s poor relation.

Fundraiser – the Lions Club of Braintree hand over a £1,000 cheque so toys can be bought for a children's area in 2001 (Image: Steve Argent)

Harlow’s Princess Alexandra Hospital opened in 1961, Barking Hospital opened in 1969, Southend General Hospital was rebuilt in 1971, and Basildon General Hospital opened in 1973.

Key staff – supervisor Maria McLarnon and Sister Jean Kerridge pictured at the hospital in 1985 (Image: Terry Weeden)

Work finally began on what was then known as the Turner Village in 1981, with the first phase of the project involving a 700-bed hospital which would cover 60 acres of land.

Long before ESNEFT became an acronym, the body overseeing the new hospital was known as NETRHA, or the North East Thames Regional Health Authority.

Season's greetings – nurses, doctors, and other staff prepare for Christmas at Colchester Hospital in 1986 (Image: Greg Szpurko)

Naturally, there were stumbles along the way – a faulty alarm system accounted for an eight-week delay – but builders handed the keys over in October 1984.

Special visit – Shaun Cooper is paid a visit by Spurs midfielder Ruel Fox in 1998 (Image: Unknown)

The first patient was admitted in December that year, and by May 1985, Queen Elizabeth II did the honours at the ceremonial opening.

Taking shape – a new development is built at Colchester Hospital in 1995 (Image: Steve Brading)

With it turning 40 next year, it will be an opportunity for us all to thank the facility and its staff for everything they have done for the city over the years.