Gala ball tribute to history

FROCKED up to the nines, past and present Ipswich Hospital staff kicked up their heels at the annual Ipswich Hospital 150 Years Gala Ball last Friday night.

Ipswich Hospital Foundation (IHF) board member Councillor Cheryl Bromage said the night had been a fitting tribute to the facility’s proud history in Ipswich.

“It was great to hear some of the speakers, especially Pam Lane, talk about the good and the bad times,” she said.

“There was also a great powerpoint presentation, which showed the site pre-construction to now, and what is planned for the future.”

Cr Bromage, who worked at the hospital for 13 years before entering politics, said the night had brought back a lot of memories.

According to historical records, the Ipswich Hospital was completed in November 1859, and admitted the first patient on March 3, 1860.

– JOSEPHINE GILLESPIE