This was me

This was me

This is the story of one woman’s life in nursing, from beginning her career shortly after the NHS was formed to retiring in 2000 as director of quality and patient services. From Evelyn’s training at the Western General in Edinburgh to eventually setting up a new hospital including hiring the staff, as well as being a mother to three children.

Over the five decades, so many medical and technological changes occurred that it’s at times a marvel to read about how procedures used to be carried out. Only fifty years ago, penicillin was the only antibiotic and vaginal smears would have been a very different experience to now.

From reorganization to further reorganization, we also read about the changes to the NHS with private care encroaching and profit becoming an increasing priority. Changes to nurses and clothing and attitudes are also covered with increasing humour and much self-awareness.

They say there is a book in everyone. This is Evelyn’s story