Twenty years of care: University Hospital marks milestone anniversary with special celebration

University Hospital has marked 20 years of caring for patients and families across Coventry and Warwickshire with a special birthday celebration.

The gathering reflected on the hospital’s journey since opening in 2006 and recognised those who have contributed to its success over the past two decades.

Guests included current and former Chairs and Chief Executives, local dignitaries, long-serving staff and volunteers, community representatives and partners from local universities.

The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Councillor Roger Bailey, shared a personal story that reflects the experiences of thousands of patients and families who have relied on University Hospital Coventry for urgent, specialist and life-changing care.

“It’s great to be here because I have a lot to be grateful for,” he said. “In 2024 I was having a heart attack and they said ‘we are going to operate on you now’. It was such a shock.

“Within an hour I had had the operation and was on the ward. I wouldn’t be Lord Mayor now without that care, I could have died.

“I’d like to thank everyone, past and present, who have played a part in the hospital’s journey. Your commitment, professionalism and kindness have made a real difference.”

Since opening, University Hospital has become a major centre for emergency, specialist and planned care, as well as teaching, research and innovation. Highlights have included the development of specialist services, the growth of research and clinical trials, advances in robotic surgery and the hospital’s role in responding to the pandemic and administering the first Covid-19 vaccine in December 2020.

For Fiona Crichlow, Senior Advanced Clinical Practitioner in the Emergency Department, the day was especially poignant as it coincided with her final day at the Trust before retirement. Fiona started as a student nurse in January 1988 and was Nurse in Charge of ED on the hospital’s opening day.

“I remember coming in two hours early for my shift because the place was like a maze and I didn’t want to get lost!” she said.

“Our first visits were while it was being built and we were shown round by the builders, looking at the plans. It was really exciting because we felt part of it.

“When it opened everything was shiny and new, it was lovely. We’d gone from a small department to a huge one in comparison, but by 2pm the whole place was full.”

The event included displays, including a 20-year timeline highlighting key moments and major developments, plus photographs and mementoes. Guests gathered around the hospital’s special 20th anniversary flower display for a commemorative photograph before taking the chance to reminisce and reconnect.

Trust Chair Sue Noyes said: “University Hospital’s story is one of progress, partnership and people, and this anniversary gave us a chance to recognise all those who have helped to shape it.”

Chief Executive Officer of UHCW NHS Trust, Professor Andy Hardy, added: “We have seen some amazing advances and innovation in the last 20 years.

“But the building is nothing without the people who are in it and seeing and hearing what we do for our patients every day is what makes me incredibly proud. Our focus remains on providing compassionate, innovative care for generations to come.”