New display examines medical evolution at Tayside's biggest hospital

From the evolution of prosthetic legs to a landmark surgery that transformed medicine.

The history of Ninewells Hospital is the focal point of a new display at Dundee’s V&A.

The exhibition showcases medical instruments, including prototypes of tools used in the UK’s first keyhole surgery in Dundee in 1987.

Among those to visit the display was retired nurse Dawn Weir, who worked at Ninewells for 45 years.

“When I first started my training and when I first qualified, this was the type of uniform we wore,” she told STV News.

“White dress, white shoes and a cap. “[It] brings back lots of happy memories, lots of happy times.

“Some sad times, obviously. But hugely proud of the achievement within Ninewells Hospital.

“Technology has advanced, it’s amazing what we can do now compared to when I started.”

Ninewells Hospital opened in 1974 after a decade-long period of construction.

The largest hospital in Tayside, Ninewells is now home to one of the country’s top medical schools and is known as a leading centre for cancer management and robotic surgery.

“When you think of medical advancements in the UK, you often think of Edinburgh or London,” said Louise Cathro-Dickson, the exhibit’s curator.

“But actually a lot of the medical advancements that come out of the UK, that we may be take for granted or don’t assume where they come from, they come from Dundee.

“Things like keyhole surgery, or the use of x-rays in medicine, or smear tests and the use of radium in cancer treatment.

“They’ve all come from Dundee.”

The display will be open until September 14.