Stunning exhibition the highlight of look back at Downshire legacy

Stunning exhibition the highlight of look back at Downshire legacy

7 March 2012

THE Downshire Hospital, will play host to a series of events this year to celebrate the life and times of the institution.

The hospital, which has been at the forefront of psychiatric care for 140 years, will shortly be closing its doors and to mark the event a programme of activities will take place on March 11-16, in the Great Hall.

At 3pm on Sunday, March 11, an ecumenical service will take place involving organisations which have helped the Downshire community over the years, such as the PSNI, Royal British Legion and St Vincent de Paul. Local school choirs will provide music.

At 7.30pm on the following evening, a new photographic exhibition will be launched. The photos will capture the changing faces of the Downshire over many decades, with many of the photos from well known local photographer Bobby Hanvey, a former nurse at the hospital.

On Tuesday, March 13, the hall plays host to two different celebrations. At 2.30pm a patients tea dance will take place, mirroring such events which once took place every week in the Downshire. Former and current patients are to set to attend.

Later that evening, at 7.30, an event dedicated to the Friends of Ward 15 will take place, reuniting former patients with current and former staff members.

The following evening, at 7.30pm, Senator Maurice Hayes will chair a conference looking at the transformation in mental health care from the 1800s to the present day.

The final event will be on Friday, March 16, at 7.30pm when there will be an opportunity for current and former staff from all departments of the Downshire to come together and share stories. The Downshire Hospital Pipe Band will close the week of events.