University opens collection of health and social work curiosities
The University of Chester’s Faculty of Health and Social Care (FHSC) Historical Society has announced another opportunity to see their ‘First World War: Returning Home’ exhibition and the permanent collection of curiosities from the world of medicine, nursing, midwifery and social work.
The FHSC has gathered a selection everyday and unusual objects from the fields of medicine, nursing, midwifery and social work which form a permanent collection based at the Riverside Campus. The exhibition aims to unite individuals with an interest these areas to come along and find out more.
The collection was originally set up in the University’s Westminster Building before being transferred to Riverside. Barbara Holliday, in the Faculty of Health and Social Care’s administration team, Professor Mike Thomas and Professor Elizabeth Mason Whitehead developed the Historical Society to bring together interested parties, originally from across the University, to become involved with the collection.
Professor Mason Whitehead said: “The Society would like to expand its membership to include the community and enable the collection to be used for research and learning. We will be looking to do this throughout the year as well as inviting guest speakers to our meetings. Particular thanks should go to Barbara for her hard work – she has been integral in enabling the collection to become established within the Faculty.
“We are interested in hearing from anyone who would like to get involved in the Society – not just those from a health background.”
One of the highlights of the collection is a letter penned by Florence Nightingale to a sister grieving for news of her brother missing in action in the Crimea. More than 150 years after it was written, the autographed, four-sided letter was recently purchased by the University.
Professor Tim Wheeler, Vice-Chancellor of the University said: “The project has been entirely reliant on the goodwill of donors, volunteers and those with an interest in the subject. I would like to thank everyone involved for the huge efforts involved.”
Admission free and there is no need to book. For details of opening hours and associated talks’ visit: www.chester.ac.uk/health/historical-society or contact Roger Whiteley on: [email protected] or 01244 511619.
