1998 Yearbook

A perusal of the 1998 Ipswich Hospital Yearbook, a compelling read for many present and former staff members, illustrates the enormous changes that can take place over 25 years. Photographs show many staff members who have moved on or passed on (sadly) and those that are still here now areageing. It is not only changes in people we see but also buildings, systems and organisation.

Staff at that time were dealing with interruptions during the hospital’s biggest redevelopment as they moved from old to new buildings.

The security department, now an integral part of hospital life, was implemented in about 1994. In that same year Information Technology reared it’s head with the introduction of computer systems in all departments and a new learning curve for staff.

A new mental health acute unit had recently opened—to be replaced in 2023 by the completion of a new multi-storey unit across the road.

The last hospital based midwifery course (after 53 years) was completed with a new model using a hospital/university approach being offered.

The Ipswich Hospital Foundation was launched and over the past 25 years has continued to support the hospital with fundraising, education and promotion and looks after the strong volunteer component at the hospital and in the community.

The multi-level carpark was opened and since then has been expanded.

The yearbook provides an interesting capsule of life in the hospital at that time. It provides an insight to the way things were — better, worse or just different?