All cards in the archive
From 1960s
I remember… Clanking of the bed pan machine in 1960s when they were being sterilised. The night junior had the job of cleaning them.
From 1949
I remember… I had an adenoid operation to remove them in London – Christmas Day, 1949 – I remember the smell of chloroform! I was only 6 years old. It wasn’t an unpleasant smell, it was actually quite refreshing though the mask was scary.
From 1968
I remember lying in the bed listening to cuckoos, when I was having my son. You wouldn’t be able to do that now
From 1992
I remember… The taste of the orange ice cubes the night nurse made me when I was so sick I couldn’t eat.
I remember… The hospital at night is a time when noises travel down corridors into the ward and the bed-side giving rise to disquiet and disorientation and disturbance that interrupts the desire to sleep.
I remember… The light – bright & welcoming. The atmosphere – busy but efficient & always friendly.
I remember… Coming around after an operation and general anaesthetic. I had never experienced an operation before so this was a very unusual feeling. I remember the nurse getting tapping my shoulder and her saying “you are ok, it is safe to open your eyes”. I was still very groggy, but I knew I was safe & secure, even though I had not fully come out of the ‘FOG’ of anaesthetic.
I remember… My last FMRI scan. The previous time was so noisy, so I’d been told I could bring in my own music. I decided that, as it was so futuristic that I’d listen to David Bowie’s Space Oddity. Big Mistake! The tapping and banging just felt as though I was in a space capsule about to take off. It felt v. lonely. Next time – must bring some happy tunes.
I remember… The taste of prawn cocktail crisps after my tonsils were taken out … the perfect cure!
I remember… All the different noises
From 1970s/80s
I remember… Backdrop to emergencies, 1970s/80s before security. Cursing drunks, occasional fight, screaming children, vomiting, police. London.
I remember… When I trained in the 1970s/80s we had protected lunch and coffee breaks – now people have to have quick breaks on wards. There is less time to decompress and talk to colleagues.