The Women's Hospital (O&G Block) & the Ward Support Block were commissioned in 1982, (the latter only partially).   In late 1982, the Health Department required the Board to undertake a feasibility study concerning the use of the vacated Wards 11,12 and 14 as a new Paediatric Facility.    The costs of such adaptation were then compared with erecting a new building, and after much protracted discussion, a decision in favour of the latter was reached.

In 1984, preparations took place for the building of the new Paediatric Department.    This would involve the demolition of Wards 11, 12 and 14, as shown in this photograph dated 8/2/84.
The 'temporary' Soldiers' Wards - originally Wards 21 and 22, later Wards 12 and 14 - had lasted more than 40 years!

In the background are, from the left, Nurses' Homes 2 and 3, the Women's Hospital (later called the Grace Neill Block) and the 'Main' Nurses' Home

Click the image to view detail in a larger version.

Photograph courtesy The Evening Post