Projects

Oral History: A personal account of catching reflections

Dianne Yarwood BSc, MSc. Retired nurse academic

Secretary to RCN History of Nursing Society, L&SE Group

Contact me at d.yarwood@ntlworld.com for more details.

Background

The power and poignancy of oral history recordings came to me in 2006 at a History of Nursing conference in London. In a session entitled ‘And mother came too’ I remembered my own experience of 1964. My late mother and I had trained at the same hospital, and at my interview, the matron was keen to tell my mother how different life in the nurses’ home was, as compared to 1945 when mum qualified.

I am no longer able to compare and share my experiences with my mother and partly as a result I became an advocate and enthusiast for recording the recollections and memories of nurses, before the opportunities are lost forever.

Why capture the spoken word?

Resources and references abound in relation to oral histories and over the past thirty or more years the activity has changed from folklore to serious study.

It is the study of living history through first-hand accounts, about individuals, families, events and everyday life.

It is useful to fill gaps, clarify details and provide missing evidence. It can potentially be the only source of information as hospital mergers and closures continue.

Work in progress and achievements to date

Although interested in oral history as a technique, I was unsure how to progress and capitalise on my enthusiasm. But in 2010, two opportunities came along at the same time.

The RCN archive expansion project

The RCN launched its oral history on-line in September and the then archivist, Susan McGann said that she was seeking to expand the collection and three volunteer interviewers were identified and trained in March 2011.

Early in 2012 more than twenty members of the RCN London & South East history group agreed to be interviewed.

To date six interviews have been completed and ideas for analysis are pending. A funding bid is being prepared to continue and expand the project.

The Charing Cross Hospital Nurses League project

Early in 2010, I was asked if I would be interviewed for an oral history project to be conducted by Charing Cross Hospital nurses league. I joined the team of interviewers in January 2011.

More than 40 interviews were completed by August 2012 and analysis and editing of the text has commenced. The present focus is on those who worked at Charing Cross in the period up to 1952.

Progress reports have been made to relevant groups and a final decision on the mode of publication is pending.

A number of successes have been identified

The willingness of people to give their time, be interviewed and share their memories.
The wealth of data, photographs and documents made available.
Stories and recollections which have been shared and validated.
Networking and sharing and the wealth of data collected.
Opportunity to use new technology for recording the interviews.