New Nurses Training Institution 

Unlike the hospital the opening of the nurses accommodation was a grand affair. A large number of Guardians and their wives stood with the nurses from the workhouse as the building was declared open by Alderman E Dunn chairman of the hospital committee in October 1925. The building was originally a private residence belonging to a Mrs Law who had recently died. The Guardians purchased the building with a  view to making it a home for the children but owing to the development of the hospital it was recognised that a training institution was needed. The nurses home was separate from the main building and would accommodate up to 22 nurses.

The large sleeping quarters were next to the sister quarter and a number of small divided rooms. The large recreation room was suitable for dancing or social evenings. The smaller sitting rooms were ideal for a quiet evening or studying. The home was nicely furnished in a plain but practical manner. The cost of the building and getting it ready for the nurses had cost the board £1000.

Mr Dunn unlocked the door as large crowds of guardians and medical staff watched on. He praised the Board and the Doctor, Matron and nursing staff for their support and loyalty. He expressed  hope that the staff would be happy in their beneficent services to suffering humanity. Continuing he said the guardians desired to make the staff as comfortable in their work as possible and in return ask for there loyalty. Rev Canon Allen chaplain to the institution mentioned that he had been visiting the hospital week by week for the past 33 years.

He said there was a time nurses were so few that he could count the nurses on one hand. As Alderman Dunn having declared the home open, the matron presented to Mrs Dunn a bouquet of carnations and roses. The quest where treated to tea and cake as they all inspected the home.

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© Neil and Janet Croft 2005