Tree planting to celebrate 50 years of the Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital

A tree-planting ceremony was held on Friday to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital.

Staff including Matron Paula Winter and Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Keith Eyres joined with Colonel Paul Baldry, chairman of the Patient Focus Group at the Nuffield who led the planting. Colonel Baldry said “The hospital has now been here for 50 years, serving hundreds of thousands of patients and providing work for many local people and companies.”

Hospital Director Paul Taylor said: “We chose this tree because of its golden leaves which represent our golden anniversary. The Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital has been a significant player in the Devon economy for a long time now.

"When we opened antibiotics were not commonly used, no one had heard of keyhole surgery and imaging technology was very basic. Now we have the very latest equipment and technology and can diagnose and treat very many people much more quickly and effectively.”

The hospital is planning a series of events over the next few months to celebrate the golden anniversary, and wants to hear from anyone who remembers the early days of the hospital. Please contact Sophie Newbolt on 01392 262131 or by email: Sophie.newbolt@nuffieldhealth.com