From the very beginning, in 1948, the National Health Service (NHS) actively recruited Irish women and men were to train and work as nurses in British hospitals. By the 1960s approximately 30,000 Irish-born nurses were working across the institution, making up around 12% of all nursing staff. Based on 45 interviews, this book tells the stories of Irish nurses in their own words using rich oral history and photographs.
Irish Nurses in the NHS
£17.50
5 in stock
5 in stock
Description
Called meaningful and insightful by the Irish Labour History Society, this is a fascinating read, a social study exploring the life experiences of the individuals within its pages as both nurses and Irish migrants in British society. The character and experiences of those nurses involved with this oral history jump off the pages. You are drawn into their world as they talk about life both in and out of the hospital. Nine chapters cover everything from initial recruitment of nurses; training; free time; changing and developing careers; and ends with a concluding chapter reflecting on the contribution made by Irish nurses to the NHS. As Martina Evans writes in her review in the Irish Times, “The voices are wonderful – charming and funny, yet serious and revealing … The warmth of these women’s voices is palpable, one feels what they must have been like on the ward, busy, hardworking but also chatty and fun.”
Louise Ryan is Senior Professor of Sociology and director of the Global Diversities and In equalities research centre London Metropolitan University.
Gráinne McPolin as a radio producer and podcaster. She is also a former nurse, having spent many years of her career working in Britain’s NHS hospitals.
Neha Doshi is a PhD researcher and Associate Lecturer also at London Metropolitan University.
Author – Louise Ryan, Gráinne McPolin and Neha Doshi
Format – Paperback
Publisher – Four Courts Press
Pub date – 2025
ISBN – 9781801511636
Pages – 232
Weight – 365g
Dimensions – 156mm x 234mm
