Statistics & Evidence Based Healthcare

Isambard Kingdom Brunel, 1806-1859

Display No. 128

Isambard Kingdom Brunel was a British civil engineer known for his ground-breaking designs and innovative ideas.

One such innovation was temporary, pre-fabricated hospital buildings which were shipped out for use during Crimean War, thereby alleviating pressure on Scutari Hospital. Brunel’s creative design enabled hygienic, ventilated hospital facilities to be built efficiently, resulting in the reduction of patient deaths during the Crimean War. Referred to as “those magnificent huts” by Nightingale, this flat-pack or pre-fabricated module building concept is still in use today.

Renkioi Hopsital

Plan of a ward building, Renkioi Hospital, designed by Brunel. Credit: Wellcome Collection. CC BY 4.0

Exhibits from ‘Statistician & Evidence Based Healthcare’

Discover the 200 Exhibits

Nightingale is respected worldwide for her pioneering role in developing the nursing profession, her statistical work, and her evidence-based approach to healthcare. In honour of her bicentenary the World Health Organisation have named 2020 the Year of the Nurse and Midwife.

In our special exhibition, you will find out about objects, people and places which tell interesting stories about Florence’s life and legacy. You’ll discover artefacts from her life, people she both inspired and challenged, and places she helped to shape. There’s many more insights too!

Please click on the different sections of her famous coxcomb diagram to explore various aspects of her life and legacy. We hope you enjoy exploring!