The Main Ward Block in 1985

1985 was the 10th anniversary year of the first use of the Main Ward Block which occurred in September 1985. Sometime during this year, plans to open the 2nd District General Hospital took a step forward when 3 sites were chosen, these were Hellesdon, Sprowston or Thorpe St Andrew. The suggestion of a Hellesdon site started in April 1985. At this time there were plans to have both hospitals as the main hospitals once the 2nd hospital was opened. During this year several residents wrote into to local newspapers praising the hospital services.

Events relating to the building in 1985
Prev year in existence - The Main Ward Block in 1984
 * The governors of the hospital were considering new sites for a second District General Hospital for Norwich and its surrounds. In April 1985, there were suggestions to close Hellesdon Hospital and use the Hellesdon site as the new site for the second District General Hospital.
 * In 1985, sometime after April, a shortlist of 3 possible sites for a new District general Hospital were unveiled, a site at Sprowston, Hellesdon and Thorpe St. Andrew. This was to be the new 2nd DGH for the Norwich area and beyond. (I have checked Eastern Evening News archives throughout 1985 and cannot find any report of the shortlist announcement, could have happened in 1986).
 * In May 1985, a patient praised the services on the Colney Ward on the 4th floor of the Main Ward Block.
 * In June 1985 several former patients argued via letters to the Norwich Eastern Evening News about the quality of the food. Most agreed the quality was good. One of them had started the debate saying the food was sub standard.
 * The Main Ward Block had been in usage for 10 years by September 1985. It was 10 years since the first wards opened which was Ingham and Irstead Wards on the 10th floor and the orthopaedic wards on the 2nd floor.
 * In November 1985, discussions were made about the proposed 2nd District General Hospital. A few of the operating theatres were not being used.
 * In November 1985, several patients wrote in to the Evening News and praised the hospital when they stayed in the Diss Ward and the top floors of the Main Ward Block.

Next year in existence - The Main Ward Block in 1986

Gallery
A few snaps of the MWB in early August 1985, a sunny summer day.