Museum at University Hospital Llandough Reopens in New Location for All to Explore

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is pleased to announce the relocation of the University Hospital Llandough museum, which officially opened to the public in its new location on Monday, 22nd October.

Originally established to mark University Hospital Llandough’s 80th anniversary, the museum has grown into a meaningful space that celebrates the hospital’s rich history. It features a wide range of artefacts, photographs, and documents, including:

• A wheelchair from 1933
• The appointment letter and photograph of the first porter in 1933
• A photo of the first resident medical staff in 1933
• Items taken aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1998, including a Welsh flag, crew patch, and lung flow meter—donated to Dr Ian Campbell in recognition of his service to the National Institute for Disability in Wales
• A book of press cuttings from 1980 onwards
• A painting of the hospital’s front aspect, commissioned in 2013 from Cecilia Duffy, a UHL Housekeeper
• Original mortgage papers for the hospital site
• Historic medical equipment
• Nurses’ uniforms and badges
• A special dedication to the Aberfan disaster

Items from groups such as the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) and the League of Friends, who have supported the hospital over the years, are also included in the display.

Previously located in the hospital’s boardroom, the museum has now moved to a more accessible and visible space in the main plaza entrance, where the Hearth Gallery was formerly situated. This relocation ensures that the museum can now be enjoyed by all patients, colleagues, and visitors to the site.

The museum also serves as a place for quiet reflection. For those who may have received difficult news or simply need a moment of peace outside the clinical environment, the museum offers a peaceful setting, complete with seating for visitors to learn and reflect.

The relocation was supported by the Estates and Security teams, who assisted with the move. No additional funding was required for this move, this was a relocation of existing historical artefacts, repurposing a public space to make the museum more inclusive and accessible to all.

Matthew Temby, Managing Director at University Hospital Llandough said:

“The relocation of the museum is a great addition to University Hospital Llandough, and we hope that this will be enjoyed by colleagues, patients and visitors. This space is an important part of the hospital’s identity, showcasing the history and milestones that have shaped Llandough over the years. I’d like to thank everyone involved for their hard work in making this relocation possible.”

The museum is now open from 9am to 5pm each day and welcomes all who wish to explore the legacy of care at Llandough or take a moment of calm in a meaningful setting. Patients, colleagues and visitors are encouraged to visit and explore the displays, which highlight key milestones in the development of local health services.