Much has changed in 150 years of nursing
Researchers based in the Institute of Psychology, Health and Society are inviting nurses from across Liverpool to share their stories and contribute to the Liverpool Nursing 150 project, a unique project celebrating 150 years of professional nurse training in the city.
A commemorative book will be published by the project later this year which will trace the development of provincial nurse education and training from its beginnings in Liverpool through to the national registration of nurses in 1919. It will cover two world wars and the advent of the NHS as well as more recent developments including degree and diploma qualifications and the role of the nurse practitioner.
Sally Sheard, Senior Lecturer in the History of Medicine, said: “I would encourage anyone who has an involvement in nursing to come forward and share their memories of training, working and living in Liverpool. Whether it is today’s professionals, retired nurses, nurse tutors or relatives of pioneers who are no longer with us, we would really like to hear your stories. We would also like to hear from anyone who has any pictures or memorabilia related to nursing over the past 150 years”
Meg Parkes who is conducting the research said: “It is important to register your interest with us early as possible. Please help to spread the word around the world to Liverpool nurses, past and present, wherever they may be. We are especially keen to identify the oldest Liverpool-trained nurse (male and female) and families who have a long tradition of nursing.”
2012 marks the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Liverpool School of Nursing, the first training school for nurses outside of London, which was the result of a pioneering collaboration between Florence Nightingale and William Rathbone VI. It was situated on the corner of Ashton Street and Dover Street, behind the old Liverpool Royal Infirmary, now the University’s Waterhouse Buildings.
To find out more about the Liverpool Nursing150 project visit the website – www.liverpoolnursing150.org.uk, email memories@liverpoolnursing150.org.uk or write to Liverpool Nurse 150, Department of Public Health and Policy, University of Liverpool, Whelan Building, Quadrangle, Liverpool L69 3GB
Liverpool Nursing150 is a joint initiative launched by the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moore’s University, the Liverpool Royal League of Nurses and Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust.
The anniversary will also feature a series of events including celebrations on International Nurses Day on 12 May and the 2012 Commemoration Service on 9 May to celebrate the life and work of Florence Nightingale.