Friday 25 September 2015

Florence Nightingale and our new season

We were pleased to welcome so many members after the long 'summer' break when the Society held its first meeting of this season on 24th September.

Our opening talk was 'Florence Nightingale' from Professor Elizabeth Mason-Whitehead from the University of Chester's Faculty of Health and Social Care.

Elizabeth presented a very understanding view of this well known Victorian lady. She explained how Florence, who came from a privileged and well-connected family, was one of a small group of women determined to progress in what in those times was an even more male dominated world.  Fortunately Florence had a father who ensured she had a good education and who supported her independence allowing her to gain experience and be in a position to make her illustrious contribution in the Crimean war. Leading a small group of nurses, and with limited resources, Florence developed the facilities and organisation to care for the wounded soldiers. On returning to England, Florence applied her knowledge and insight into establishing nursing as a profession.

The Faculty of Health and Social Care runs a Historical Society for those with an interest in medicine, nursing, midwifery and social work. They run talks, open to the public, and they have a museum. Please click on Museum and talks for more details. If members are interested we should be able to organise a group visit to the museum in Chester.