Heritage, Health & Healing Audio Trail now live in Midland Metropolitan University Hospital

After spending a year collecting stories from staff, patients and the community around the Midland Met, Overhear are delighted to announce that our audio trail celebrating the 110 years of heritage, health and healing in Sandwell and the surrounding areas is now live in The People’s Gallery.

”I started my nurse training in 1986 at what was then called Dudley Road Hospital. I lived in the nurse’s home, and I have just fantastic memories”

When the Midland Met opened in 2024, they were keenly aware that they were not just building a new hospital but becoming a part of a tapestry of healthcare in the area that stretches back over a century. This project was a way to celebrate that rich history and to include all those voices in the shaping of the hospital’s future.

”When my mom trained this because was in 1938 you couldn’t work within a 30 mile radius in case you knew someone, you might see them without their clothes.”

In sessions with current and former staff we talked about how healthcare has changed over the years, from nurses boarding together in a building adjacent to the old hospital to the exciting introduction of electric typewriters all the way to how students are being trained today. We were struck with the importance of preserving the wisdom of the people who have been looking after this community for decades, and thanking them for their tireless work.

“The carers were really kind, I felt as if I was a member of staff up there.”

From approaching people walking around the hospital to working with patients currently staying on the dementia wards, Overhear were honoured to be trusted with the stories of people going through some of the most difficult moments of their lives and still finding moments of hope and humour. We asked them what kept them going and heard about acts of kindness from staff, visits from family as well as the need to see tomorrow’s episode of Coronation Street.

“26 years ago on Christmas Eve in Marks and Spencer’s in Birmingham. Yeah, that’s where I had my baby. Nine months. I carried a full term baby with no sign of pregnancy. He was on BBC News. Marks and Spencer’s gave him Money, set up his account, and all sorts. I won’t tell his first name or his last name, but his middle names are Mark Spencer. He hates it.” 

With the help of our partners, we reached out to community groups in Sandwell and asked them to share their stories of healthcare and healing in the area. From the old workhouse to surprise babies, we loved getting to dive into a treasure trove of experiences and viewpoints – but we know there’s much more to explore.

“In 1987 we celebrated Dudley Road Centenary, and we took a float into the Lord Mayor’s procession a we dressed everybody who was there in uniforms dating from 1887 to the current day  – a collection of which, I still have.”

Do you have an experience of healing and healthcare in the area? One of the best things about this project is that it will continue to grow as it remains installed at Midland Metropolitan University Hospital. Just head over to the Galley Space and scan the QR Code to open up the app and record your own story to add to the collage.