In June 1925, the Devon Nursing Association was celebrating its 21st anniversary. The Gazette reports that when it was founded it was ‘in advance of public opinion’. Although welcomed by many, there were a large number of Devonians who felt that their ancestors had done without skilled nursing, why did they need it now. However, in the early years of the service, it became clear that it was filling an unmet need, especially in the more rural parishes in the County. The nurses employed by the Association were reported as having played a pivotal role in halving the infant mortality rate since the beginning of the century. They were also spreading important public health information on such topics as hygiene, sanitation and nutrition.

The Nursing Association and its local branches relied on fund raising. In the June Gazette there were also adverts for, and reports of, events supporting the local nurses in Cruwys Morchard, Chevithorne and Kentisbeare.

The Museum holds very few records of the Nursing Associations in our area. Just a quick look at the catalogue of Devon Heritage Centre shows that they do have documents not only relating to the Devon Nursing Association but many of the parish associations including Cullompton, Bradninch, Thorverton, Brampford Speke and Cadbury, Bampton and Sandford.

Advert for a Whist Drive in aid of the Thelbridge & Witheridge Nursing Association.

However, come to our ‘medical corner’ and you can see all sorts of things used by health professionals a few years ago. You can also learn a bit more about public health, or the lack of it, in Tiverton in the 19th century.

Written by Museum volunteer, Sue B