First patient recalls Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham opening
Published on 05/06/2025
The first patient to move into the new building at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham in 2010 has spoken of her role in the history of the new hospital.
As part of our celebrations of our 15th birthday on 16 June 2010, we are featuring patients and staff who played a part in the big day.
Ann Bagnall had been in the old Selly Oak Hospital since May 2010, as she recovered after having a stroke, and was then told she would be the first patient in the first new acute hospital to be built in Birmingham for 70 years.
She recalled: “I remember it very well. It was such a momentous occasion.
“I was in an old building in Selly Oak and I was then transferred to the new hospital and it was just like a hotel, with my own room and the view was amazing.
“Because I was the first patient, I was all over the news. It was nerve wracking being on TV as I wasn’t used to it, but it was exciting and I had to phone my friends and family to say ‘make sure you, record it!’’’
Ann, who lives in Kings Norton, Birmingham is proud that because she was the first patient that she was later invited to the official opening of the hospital by Queen Elizabeth II.
It was day she will never forget.
‘’I got to meet the late Queen when it was officially opened in 2012 and to be introduced to her like that was very exciting and such an honour.”
