Time capsule at Chichester hospital opened exactly 28 years after it was buried

A time capsule at a Chichester hospital has been opened exactly 28 years after it was sealed.
Trudi Stallwood – housekeeper, Fiona Brooks  – radiology manager, Julie Korgaokar  – receptionist, Neil Hutchins  – supplies assistant, Diane Pearcey – administrator, Wendy Barton  – staff nurseTrudi Stallwood – housekeeper, Fiona Brooks  – radiology manager, Julie Korgaokar  – receptionist, Neil Hutchins  – supplies assistant, Diane Pearcey – administrator, Wendy Barton  – staff nurse
Trudi Stallwood – housekeeper, Fiona Brooks – radiology manager, Julie Korgaokar – receptionist, Neil Hutchins – supplies assistant, Diane Pearcey – administrator, Wendy Barton – staff nurse

The capsule at Nuffield Health Chichester Hospital, in Broyle Road, was opened on Tuesday, April 21, by Neil Hutchins who was an employee at the time the capsule was buried on April 21, 1992.

Among the items found in the capsule was a badge and sticker commemorating Chichester in Europe 1992, a Chichester Observer dated April 16, 1992, a copy of The Times dated April 10, 1992, a scalpel, an inscribed crystal plaque and a summary of the 1990 White Paper on the environment

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It also contained a list of who was on the Medical Advisory Committee at the hospital at the time, with three of those consultants listed – Dr Nick Ashford, Dr Colin Reid, and Mr Lee Taylor – still practicing at the hospital.

The contents of the time capsuleThe contents of the time capsule
The contents of the time capsule

Sarah Mitchell, from Nuffield Health Chichester Hospital, said: “There was an air of intrigue about what we would find in the capsule, we knew about the copy of the Observer and a few other items from the original newspaper report. “In addition to the copy of The Observer and The Times, the contents include several items relating to the design and build teams, a letter and programme of events from Chichester Cathedral April–May 1992, and some mementoes from the then Mayor of Chichester.

“However, it would have been good if there had been more information about the hospital itself, and a photograph any staff members present at the time.”

A reunion event at the private hospital with former staff who worked there when it opened in 1992 had been planned, but itwas unable to take place due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

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Several members were there to witness the opening of the time capsule, but due to social distancing the team couldn’t have a group photograph.

Built in 1992 by Independent Care, the hospital was originally known as the Sherburne Hospital.

To mark its opening 28 years ago Kenneth Steven, director of builders Prodescon, handed over a time capsule to then-owner Adrian Stevensen and said the capsule was not to be opened until April 21, 2020.

If you were there at the hospital opening or have memories of the day the time capsule was buried, contact [email protected] or call 01243 753034.

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