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Irish NHS nurses in Liverpool tell their stories for oral history project

A picture of four women in nurses uniforms on a bus

The findings of an oral history project, which spoke to Irish women who migrated to Britain to train and work as nurses in the NHS from the 1950s onwards, will be presented during a special event at the University of Liverpool.

The project entitled ‘Irish Nurses in the NHS: an oral history project’ funded by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and University of Liverpool’s Institute of Irish Studies, will present its findings on Monday 19 June at the Central Teaching Hub.

From its inception in 1948, through the 1950s-70s, Irish women were amongst the largest groups directly recruited to train and work as nurses in the NHS.

Led by Professor Louise Ryan from London Metropolitan University and Grainne McPolin, a retired nurse and now independent documentary maker, the three-year project interviews nurses

Dame Lorna Muirhead, former Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside and past President of the Royal College of Midwives will also attend.

Professor Louise Ryan, from London Metropolitan University, who led the research said: “It has been a privilege to hear the stories of Irish women, and indeed some men, who migrated to Liverpool in the post-war era to staff the NHS.

“As well as working hard as nurses, they also told us of the immense fun they enjoyed in Liverpool especially going to dances, where many met future spouses! We are very grateful to all the colleagues in Liverpool who supported this important research.”

Professor Peter Shirlow said: ““I’m delighted that the Institute has been able to support and assist this worthwhile project which examines the contribution of nurses from the Island of Ireland to the development of the NHS in the post war period.

“Liverpool was an important point of disembarkation for many of these remarkable individuals who cared for our people at their most vulnerable during a period of great social change. It is both a moving and important story that we have a duty to record for future generations.

“I would congratulate Professor Louise Ryan of London Metropolitan University and Grainne McPolin for their tireless work on the project and I’m very much looking forward to the publication of the book in due course.”

You can book your place for the event on Monday 19 June, which takes place between 4pm and 6pm here.

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