Earliest info

This prospectus for the school of nursing dates from 1961. I applied whist still at school and about 18 months before I was old enough to start training in ‘63, as I wanted to make sure of a place. The other options were in Birmingham, but I didn’t want to go to a big city from which it was difficult to get home for time off. 

I’ve picked out some of the information relevant to that period in time.
 “Students are required to be equipped with a watch with a second hand, a pair of surgical scissors, a fountain pen, a bag for soiled linen marked with name in large letters, two pairs of black leather walking shoes with rubber heels, preferably Cuban type of heel and leather, not crepe, soles. And finally four pairs of black stockings.” 

The black stockings sounds odd. Tights weren’t on the market at that time and we had to wear thick black stockings, not the thin ones with a seam up the back that were seen in the Carry On films. (Only blippers of a certain age will have any idea of what I’m referring to!! ) 

Hours of duty were 44 per week, having been reduced from 48 a short while previously.

The training allowance paid was £299 in the first year, £315 for the second and £336 for the third. We had to live in the nurses home and were deducted £128 a year for food and board, also use of uniform. 

I remember lining up in the board room to collect my cheque for about £10 each month, and having to wait until I had time off during banking hours to pay it in my account and get some cash!!! 

Most married applicants weren’t accepted, the exception being students from overseas who left their husband and children at home. A big sacrifice. They were well educated and if English wasn’t their first language, they spoke it perfectly. 

We worked hard and had happy times, but the nature of the work meant that there was the occasional need for a few minutes escape time in the sluice to wipe away the tears and compose oneself. The patients were so supportive and caring as we were the age of their children or grandchildren. They were in hospital for much longer than these days, a hernia repair or acute appendicitis would result in a 7-10 day stay, so we got to know them as individuals as well as patients needing nursing care. 

This is the end of extracts from the box. The tidying up of my sewing room is ongoing .......the space under the desk is empty and hoovered. Just need to get the books and things back in the space.