Once Upon a Time Exhibition
09 Nov 2023, 09:00 - 27 Apr, 19:00
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Find out about the past, present and future of children and young people's nursing.
Children aren’t just “small adults”. They have different health and care needs, which change as they grow and develop.
This exhibition explores the history of children and young people’s nursing – from the first children’s hospitals in the 1800s to the development of family-centred care. Explore emotive tokens from the historic Foundling Hospital, children’s artwork from Bethlem Museum of the Mind, and objects and stories loaned by nurses past and present.
The exhibition was co-created with Royal College of Nursing members, many of whom work in children and young people’s nursing or have in the past. The volunteer team was involved in every stage of the exhibition from research, to writing exhibition panels, to exhibition design.
Nursing for young people has often been ahead of the curve and influenced adult care. Yet this has not always been acknowledged, and children’s nurses have had to fight for recognition of their specialist role. This exhibition shows that by recognising this past and by listening to and valuing young people’s voices, we can better prepare for our future.
Objects on display include items from Bethlem Museum of the Mind, the Foundling Museum, the Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret and Southwark Heritage Centre.
The exhibition also includes artwork by pupils at the Evelina Hospital School in London and the Oxfordshire Hospital School, and by young patients as part of Leeds Hospitals Charity’s Bear Hunt.
If you can't visit the exhibition in person, check out the online exhibition.
The venue is wheelchair accessible and has a hearing loop. If you have any questions or accessibility needs, please contact us on rcn.library@rcn.org.uk or 0345 337 3368.
RCN Library and Heritage Centre
rcn.library@rcn.org.uk
0345 337 3368
20 Cavendish Square
Marylebone
London
W1G ORN
20 Cavendish Square is located behind John Lewis, Oxford Street.
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Page last updated - 24/01/2024
