Dawn Griffis

Nursing at the Horton. the Way It Was - when Care to the Local People Really Mattered Dawn Griffis

'Nursing at the Horton' - 1956 to 1962; when hospitals were run by nurses. Matron was all powerful, demanding considerable respect from all. We were taught patients came first, second and last, everything else had to fit in between. The relationship between them, and the local people was; 'They are our patients, and we were their nurses'. During this time student nurses were responsible for cleanliness in the hospital. We knew that if a patient developed a hospital born infection - heads would roll! Our heads remained safe. Antibiotics had just become available, in limited supply. The nurses worked long hard hours - 60 to 72 hours a week; but played hard too. Some parts are very sad, others happy or funny. If you have ever been a patient or nurse in a hospital, especially the Horton, you will recognise the love that was generated. The book is a sequel to 'Aynhoe Village Life. The Way it Was', but can be read as a stand alone. Look for 'Nursing and Living in America. The Way it Was'.