Happy Days

A Memory of Shotley Bridge.

I spent 4 years, starting as a cadet, then training to be a nurse at Shotley Bridge Hospital. It was to be an everlasting memory, not only for the happy times shared with colleagues and patients, but it was where I met my late husband who was a Doctor on the medical ward. The hospital was renowned for its high standards of training and pioneering surgery. The numerous wards, known as 'The Huts' were quaint and well kept by the ward maids, who were meticulous in their work. Infection, was a word seldom heard. Lysol was used on the ward to clean the floors, giving us that clean 'hospital smell'; the now common MRSA was unheard of back in the 1960's. There is a nurses re-union which takes place anually, in Consett, and everyone looks forward to meeting and exchanging memories. Most of the Shotley nurses now have grandchildren, but still recall the many colleagues they worked alongside. The Matron at the time of my training was Miss Betty Anderson. Many of the nurses will remember some of the names I recall. Miss Pinkerton, Sister Parker, Sister Walton of A&E, whose very name could instill fear into the heart of many young trainees. Sister Anderson ward 4/5 orthopaedics, Sister Mather, (a joy to work with) Medical- ward 18, Sister Kendall on Thoracic- ward 14, Sister Chester, Paediatrics- ward 15. Mr Ward, Urology-ward 13. Sister Bilsland, Medical- ward 19. Sister Walton, -ward 27, Numerous names of Doctors and consultants will be recognised and remembered. Mr De Costa, Mr Fraser, Mr Barnsley, Mr Blesovski, Mr Herbert, Dr Chung, Dr Wheeler, Dr Raj, Dr Gregory and his wife, who was also a Doctor. Many old friends remembered, but too numerous to list. All working together in the happy environment of Shotley Bridge Hospital. Proud and privileged to be trained there, many Shotley nurses went on to work all over the world. Following ward closures, staff re-located to the newly built Freeman Road Hospital in Newcastle.