Ex-Royal Hospital staff to reunite at exclusive event after Grade II Victorian building restored

The event, which is scheduled to take place on January 24, will be held at Nightingale House, the new name for the stunning Grade II listed Victorian building - giving guests a chance to revisit the site and tour the building. 

The historic site, vacant since 1997, has been revived as part of a larger area redevelopment, thanks to the combined efforts of housing association whg, City of Wolverhampton Council, Homes England, and developer Morro Partnerships. 

The site has been restored into a quality housing development, using air source heat pumps to cut carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency, while keeping its historic features. 

Nightingale House is whg's seventh wellbeing scheme, offering affordable rental homes for people aged 55 and over, allowing older people to maintain their independence and live in their own home, while having help on-hand when required.

Attendees of the reunion will also be able to view a Guy Motors ambulance from 1936, reconnect with old colleagues, and watch the unveiling of a blue plaque by the Wolverhampton Society. 

The plaque, sponsored by the Royal Hospital Nurses League, celebrates the legacy and care of Wolverhampton NHS staff. Former staff are also being asked to submit memories of their time working at the site to be displayed at the event.

Gary Fulford, Group Chief Executive, at whg, said: “The Royal Hospital is an iconic building in Wolverhampton, and we’re proud to have been part of the effort to revitalise the site into Nightingale House, making it fit for modern living while preserving its historic character.

“As we prepare for the opening of Nightingale House, we’re excited to be able to invite former Royal Hospital workers to share their memories and enter the ballot for the chance to tour the building and join in the celebrations as the Wolverhampton Society unveils the blue plaque.”

Commenting on the opening of Nightingale House, Matt Moore, CEO at Morro Partnerships added: “We can’t wait for everyone to see the amazing work that has been done in partnership with whg in transforming this historic building that has meant so much to so many in the community for decades.

“While refurbishing the 48 apartments for over 55s, the history of the building has been celebrated by preserving various original aspects of the building, such as the chapel windows. But this preservation has gone hand-in-hand with our desire to keep the resident in mind at every step of the process. We’re so proud to have been a part of this project with whg in bringing this building back to life for the people of Wolverhampton.”

To ensure a fair and transparent process for the reunion event, 50% of the former employees invited will be selected through a ballot due to limited spaces. 

The application process will close on January 10. Successful applicants will be notified by January 14.

For more information visit the whg website or to fill out the ballot here: https://forms.office.com/e/8pZFrvwjjP