The Role of Women in Nursing

As increasing numbers of men left work to enlist in the forces, the Government set up a Central Advisory Committee for Women's Employment to plan and implement the recruitment of women to fill the gaps. Where possible, women were encouraged to act as substitute labour. In time they were working in hospitals, on the land or in factories.

Background to the impact of the Great War

Springburn 'Red Cross' Hospital
Hyde Park Ward, part of the Springburn 'Red Cross' Hospital

Springburn 'Red Cross' Hospital

Part of the North British Company Locomotive works in Glasgow was adapted to serve as a hospital to treat the war wounded.

Print a copy of the transcript of the account from the Springburn Hospital, Rich Text Format, 9KB, new window

At a very early stage in the war, it became apparent that the hospital accommodation in the country would be quite inadequate to deal with the large number of wounded and invalided soldiers and sailors... and the Directors of the Company decided to place the main portion of the Administration Building at the disposal of the British Red Cross Society.

...Springburn Hospital was opened for the reception of patients on 24 December 1914 and remained open until 21 May 1918, covering the treatment of 8,211 soldiers.

(National Records of Scotland reference: BR/LIB(S) 5/63 p.36)

Hyde Park Ward, part of the Springburn 'Red Cross' Hospital

(National Records of Scotland reference: BR/LIB(S) 5/63)