Nurse Training.
Just before war was declared steps to improve the nursing care in workhouse hospitals
were starting to take shape. The Hospital Committee submitted a report on the
recommendation of the Yorkshire Poor Law conference on the subject of standardisation of
the training of nurses. The report called for some kind of standardisation within the area
of the Yorkshire Poor Law Board. For any union wishing to agree with these standards they
would be classed under the Yorkshire Poor Law Nursing Board. Each Union would appoint a
representative who would have full and complete power to carry out the scheme proposed.
The person would be appointed for three years. The women who would train as nurses
would have to be 21 years old and of a good education. They had to spend three months
on trial and after were examined as to the fitness for the position, generally a
three-year contract. During that time the probation nurse would attend lectures at a
standard set by the Nursing Board. Nurses were given written and theory tests on subjects
like Surgery and Medicine. At least four examinations a year were held under the
supervision of the Medical Superintendent or Medical officer. Each Union paid for the cost
of their own candidates and their examination fees. The nurse would be granted a
certificate of proficiency.
During the same year there had been 105 deaths in the Workhouse hospital, 19 were
isolation cases. Another 50 patients died in lunatic Asylums like Wadsley (later called
Middle wood).
Great Britain declared War on Germany at 11 p.m. on Tuesday the 4th
August 1914. In a matter of days thousands of local men enlisted into the Army and the
numbers of men using the workhouse had greatly reduced. The Workhouse was like many
places, getting ready for War. Guidelines were set for the possibilities of an Air Raid and the
senior nursing staff were given a war bonus. The charge Nurse was given £5 per annum and
the Staff Nurses £3 per annum. Although soldiers were treated in Doncaster Gate the main
care for Soldiers was at Oakwood Hall, which had become a V.A.D Hospital opening in April
1916. Although the workhouse did treat a number of Soldiers it wouldn't be until October
1917 before it played a more active part in the care of wounded soldiers.
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© Neil and Janet Croft 2005