26 April 2005

Medical History Museum exhibition

Photo opportunity: 4.30pm, Wednesday 27 April, Medical School Foyer, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee

A new exhibition examining the history of nursing in Tayside and Fife will open at the University of Dundee's Medical History Museum on Wednesday 27 April. The exhibition will be formally opened by Professor Liz Wilson and Dr John Drummond of the School of Nursing & Midwifery in the medical school foyer at Ninewells Hospital.

The exhibition, 'Look Closer' includes photos, staff badges, nursing equipment and other memorabilia that trace the history of nursing in the local area. There is a particular emphasis on education and the development of the University’s School of Nursing & Midwifery.

The pioneering nursing school in Scotland was founded in Glasgow by Rebecca Strong, who had been Matron at Dundee Royal Infirmary 1874-79. Strong had studied under Florence Nightingale in London, having been inspired as a child by stories of her work in the Crimea. Her 'block' system of education was copied throughout Europe. She is also credited as being the first nurse to use a thermometer to take a patient's temperature. The exhibition includes a letter from her written in answer to a telegram sent by the nursing staff of Dundee Royal Infirmary on her 100th birthday.

The last Matron of DRI, Mrs Mary Haggart (nee Scholes) along with some other retired staff, will also be guests at the opening.

The title 'Look Closer' comes from a famous poem about nurses that was first published in the Sunday Post in 1973 and a copy is included in the exhibition.

The Curator of the Medical History Museum, Dr Graham Lowe, said 'Expanding skills to complement traditional attributes of dedication and caring allow nurses to play an increasingly important role in the delivery of modern healthcare, and although rightly proud of its history, the nursing school is also forward-looking in its aspirations. This exhibition attempts to provide a glimpse into the past as a tribute to a remarkable and much loved profession.'

The exhibition is free and open to the public and is on display until the end of September.

For further details please contact University Museum Curator Matthew Jarron on 01382 344310

By Angela Durcan, Press Officer 01382 344768, out of hours: 07968298585, a.durcan@dundee.ac.uk