Hospital cooks, left to right, Ann Cartwright, Debbie Massey and Christine Hartley in 1981.

Sister Barbara Ryley tries out one of the chairs, watched by WRVS (West Bromwich Womens Royal Voluntary Service) members, from left, Brenda Moore, Agnes Riley, Sheila Duffield and Doris Pritchard in 1981.

Maxine Parton and Karen Sinar preparing medicine in Sandwell District General Hospital's pharmacy department in 1981.

Tea and sympathy for Stuart Robb, of Astbury Avenue, Smethwick. One of the first patients to be transferred from the 130-year-old West Bromwich and District Hospital to Sandwell's new £9.7 million complex in 1979.

Trying out the rocking boat in 1981 are...back, Richard Currinn, 12, and Jason Wright, 11. Front, Sarah Delaney, 5, and Jason Garner, 7. Behind them are nurses Geraldine Beades and Thelma Crossman.

Apprehensive about his sprained knee is Matthew Baker until comforting words from casualty sister Noreen Gayden bring a smile to his face in 1980.

Seven-year-old Rachel Wood (in hospital with a broken leg) demonstrates how to use the nebuliser. Right: Baljinder Nahall, 10, (a patient) and Round Tablers Lewis Lloyd, Geoff Lees and Bob Judd in 1981.

Getting settled in: Alder Field, aged 16, of Green Lane, Great Barr, with pupil nurse Kim desondberg in 1979.

Sandwell District General Hospital in 1979.