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Ely Hospital - Ely Hospital, Cardiff. Women living in Fern House
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Memory Lane
Ely Hospital - Ely Hospital, Cardiff. Women living in Fern House
Ely Hospital - Ely Hospital, Cardiff. Women living in Fern House, where a drinks bar was opened a few months ago, have been showing off their latest presents - a range of furniture and two hair driers. *FROM the time it opened as a Poor Law institution for orphaned children in 1862, Ely Hospital was a destination for people who had no families to care for them. In some cases, this was because members of their close family had died n but in others the reason was altogether darker. In the late 1940s a 15-year-old girl was admitted to the hospital because she was pregnant and unmarried. After having her baby there, which went on to be adopted, the girl stayed on. When the hospital closed more than half a century later in 1997, the girl n now a pensioner n was one of the first patients to be resettled in the surrounding community. One former staff member who remembered the woman, who has not been named in order to protect her identity, said: iShe didnit have a learning disability when she went in, but she left the hospital diagnosed with having one.i 23rd June 1978
Western Mail Archive
Mirrorpix
Cardiff
Wales
Media ID 21633065
© Mirrorpix
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print from Ely Hospital in Cardiff takes us back to a significant moment in history. The image showcases the women residing in Fern House, proudly displaying their newly acquired furniture and hair dryers. It is heartwarming to witness these individuals finding joy and comfort within the confines of this institution. Ely Hospital holds a rich past, originally established as a Poor Law institution for orphaned children in 1862. Over time, it became a refuge for those without families to care for them, each with their own unique circumstances. Some sought solace due to the loss of loved ones, while others found themselves entangled in darker situations. One particular story stands out amidst the hospital's narrative: that of an unmarried pregnant teenager who was admitted during the late 1940s. After giving birth and having her child adopted, she remained at Ely Hospital. When its doors finally closed after more than half a century in 1997, she was among the first patients resettled into the surrounding community as an elderly woman. A former staff member recalls her journey vividly; although she entered without any learning disabilities, she left diagnosed with one. This revelation highlights not only her personal transformation but also sheds light on how institutions like Ely Hospital impacted individuals' lives. As we gaze upon this photograph capturing a moment of celebration within Fern House's walls, let us remember that behind every face lies an untold story - stories that shape our understanding of compassion and resilience throughout history.
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