Sample synopsis 4 - Sybil's memories of nursing pre-NHS

Her old Matron got her a job as Sister in Casualty, BRI. Her most exciting nursing time of six and a half years. They never knew what was going to happen next. Water sterilisation equipment - they used to boil everything. They dealt with anything that came in, even animals. A boy's puppy was treated for a broken leg anad she was commended by vet later. Large dog had throat cleared of bone obstruction using forceps. This is still pre-NHS days and no one was refused treatment.

The war was on with petrol rationing - few car accidents but more motorcyclist accidents. She could diagnose insulin comas easily. Stories of two diabetic cases. Bombing of Bristol - story of five buses being bombed in the Horsefair. Casualty was cleared and 50 casualties were brought in. This was 1943/44. Not many staff on Casualty, which meant she had to do quite a bit herself, like giving anaesthetics. Theatre work described. Corridor of patients waiting to be seen. Vital to have a sense of humour. Trying to save a tiny surprise baby.

The coming of the NHS was not good news for Sybil - July 1948. Incidents of unnecessary work to do, of people treating the staff as "their servants". They were inundated with silly things. She decided it was not for her and she resigned. She joined the Merchant Navy on a voyage to and from Australia as a nursing officer. Interview story.

Joined the new ship in the fleet, "Orcides" with 250 first class and 250 tourist passengers. Sybil was responsible for treating the tourists. Description of cabin and night time activities. Passengers had to pay to see the doctor. Stories of treating patients. Cyclone experience. Sea-sickness but stabilised eventually. Silly rules. Two deaths and two stowaways. Doctor story about cyclone. Everything was a challenge as you didn't know what was going to happen. Post-mortems and burial at sea.

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