Flash BACK: Life and Times of N.Wales TB Hospital

SOME long-since recovered patients and staff from a North Wales hospital may recognise themselves in this collection of evocative photographs.

They are from a riveting, 150-page book by Dr Buddug Owen called Llangwyfan Sanatoriumto Hospital.

Nestling in the Vale of Clwyd, we learn about different facets of hospital life at this busy institution. It was originally a tuberculosis hospital and was also known as the North Wales Sanatorium. It later became a more general chest hospital, but is now closed.

Dr Owen writes about its open air wards, how TB inspired dread, dutiful medics like Dr William Biagi, the visit of actor Patrick Wymark and even details of the lives of gardeners.

Dr Owen also quotes several fascinating anecdotes. She writes: “One little boy on admission had complained about the size of the bed. When asked what was the matter, he said ‘It’s not big enough. The one we have at home holds seven of us’.”

Llangwyfan Sanatorium to Hospital by Buddug Owen (Publishers Gwasg y Bwthyn, Caernarfon pounds 10). Ring 01745 584446

Send your pictures to David Powell, Flashback, Daily Post, PO Box 202, Vale Road, Llandudno Junction, Conwy, LL31 9ZD, or e-mail featureswales@dailypost.co.uk

(c) 2007 Daily Post; Liverpool. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.