The Main Ward Block in 1976

1976 was the second year of the Main Ward Block being in usage and the first full year of it being used.

By the start of the year, January 1976, some of the wards were still vacant and not yet ready for patient usage. The Children's Ward, which was the Gresham Ward on the 8th floor was opened in March 1976. More wards opened in the new complex and towards the end of the year, the whole unit was in use. The floors of the operating theatres were having problems and this was notified in September 1976. The theatres shut for a short while for the repairs.

David Ennals, a local MP opened the Main Ward Block building officially on the 3rd December 1976.

Events during 1976
Prev year in existence - The Main Ward Block in 1975
 * March - The Gresham Ward, the children's ward, on the 8th floor opens. The ward had play facilities/classroom on the north side of the building.
 * September 16, builders are notified of cracks in the vinyl flooring of the operating theatres. They are closed for repairs. This was also noted in the architects designs.
 * November, the new operating theatres were shut for repairs. The operations were carried out in the old operating theatres.
 * 3rd December, the Main Ward Block is officially opened by David Ennals, local MP. David then toured the new complex. A plaque was erected to commemorate the opening of the hospital extension.

Next year in existence - The Main Ward Block in 1977