Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Jimmy immortalised at Wester Moffat
54-year stay is marked with a plaque
The memory of a Coatbridge man whose 54-year stay at Wester Moffat Hospital is believed to be the longest of any patient in a single British institution has been immortalised at the Airdrie facility.
Karl Morris paid a fitting tribute to his big brother James’ memory by unveiling a commemorative plaque emblazoned with James’ name in the grounds of the hospital.
James (left) passed away at Wester Moffat last April, aged 75, after living there all his adult life.
The former soldier was transferred there following a car accident in Germany in late 1961 which left him with a broken leg and nose. He was only 19 at the time. But his heart stopped on the operating table as they repaired his broken femur, leaving him with brain damage.
After the tragedy, James, an ex- rifleman driver with the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) Regiment, was initially sent to an army hospital in Colchester, then on to Canniesburn Hospital near Glasgow.
From there he also spent time at Hairmyres and Coathill hospitals before finally being transferred to Wester Moffat Hospital in August 1962.
Following his brother’s death last year, Karl, 63, told the Advertiser the hospital had become “like a second home” to James’ family, and later decided to mark his record-breaking spell at Wester Moffat.
Karl said: “There was a lot of coverage about how long Jimmy had been in Wester Moffat after he passed away so I approached the hospital’s staff, and the head of nursing at University Hospital Monklands, to ask if I could place a item in remembrance of Jimmy.
“They all said that it would be no problem at all.
“I was undecided on whether to have a bench or a plaque on the wall; then I found out that Jimmy and a staff nurse had planted a tree outside a while ago.
“The tree was still there so I thought that would be a perfect place to put a plaque.
“It’s made of granite and brass and reads, ‘In Loving Memory of Jimmy Morris. Longest serving patient in the UK. Died April 2017. Sadly missed’.
“I’m very happy with the plaque, and where it will be placed. I’d rather put a plaque down as if the hospital ever closes, I can pick it up and put it on Jimmy’s grave.”
Karl was joined by family members and Wester Moffat staff when he unveiled the plaque – and re-emphasised how the hospital will always hold a special place in his heart.
He said: “The family were all over the moon with the plaque, as were the hospital staff, who all said Jimmy will never be forgotten at Wester Moffat.
“I have been going to the hospital since I was seven years old, when I first visited Jimmy – and I’m now 63!
“Our family would once again like to thank everyone for their kindness and support throughout the many years that James spent in hospital.”
Karl added: “Jimmy was 100 per cent disabled, but we still took him home on holidays and out to the pub.
“There weren’t many people in Coatbridge who didn’t know him. He had a fantastic spirit and loved to get out.
“James has left a massive void in all of our lives and is sorely missed by everyone.”
Hospital will always hold a special place Karl Morris