'Such a lovely place and wonderful staff' - people of Wakefield share their memories of Clayton Hospital as demolition plans approved

From model trains and cheery staff to doses of morphine and everything in between, it's safe to say that we all have our own memories of Clayton Hospital.

Plans to demolish part of the historic building, which has stood for almost 200 years but been empty since 2012, were approved last week.

And as they prepare to say goodbye to the site, people in Wakefield have been sharing their memories of Clayton Hospital.

Clayton Hospital demolition: 21 pictures show 100 years of history at former Wakefield hospital as redevelopment plans approved

These were just a few of the best stories.

The hospital is a source of brilliant memories for many - including Steve Turner, who said: "Great staff, had my first operation there, I might not be here otherwise."

And Kirsty Blower said: "Going to the cabin in the grounds for a pregnancy test and finding out I was indeed pregnant back in February 2007."

For Kathryn Louise, Clayton Hospital holds memories of offering, rather than receiving, care. She said: "So glad they plan to maintain the original part of the building twinged with sadness as I did most of my nurse training there."

Cathie Rayner Swain remembered the time that she almost became trapped in the hospital. She wrote: "Getting locked in the toilets on the top floor of the old building on a Friday night.

"I was in the cubicle, heard the main door being locked and lights went off!! I screamed and screamed until a night watchman heard me. He said I was lucky he heard me or I'd have been there till Monday morning!!!"

Vicki Tilford and Tracey Alex Pearson, however, bonded over shared memories of a model train, which once roamed the hospital corridors.

And there were plenty of compliments for the hospital's staff.

Hazel Rowley said: "Had my appendix out at Clayton hospital. Wonderful staff."

Paul Hadwin remembered the nurses - and the medication they offered. He wrote: "Three or four nose operations, no nonsense nurses and a huge syringe of morphine!"

And for some, Clayton Hospital cared for more than one generation. Dawn Forlow wrote: "Had my first ever operation ere, and so did my daughter. Was such a lovely place,and staff where lovely."

What are your memories of Clayton Hospital? Let us know on Twitter or Facebook, or email [email protected] to get involved