CASE STUDY: EVE SHORT

Jul 4 2008 by Karen Wilson, The Journal

EVE Short started work as a district nurse midwife in Northumberland in 1948.

Working across a large, rural area Eve was given a car to get about and see patients. It was a step up from the motorbike her predecessor had used.

“There was a lot of responsibility,” she said. “I had supervisors that came out maybe once a quarter and although I worked with doctors, if they were far away it was really up to me to go and see patients and make quick decisions on their wellbeing.” Eve’s annual salary started at £251 a year once she had paid for board and lodgings. She dealt with everything from diabetic comas to delivering babies in far flung farm houses for 16 years and has nothing but fond memories of the time.

“I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a nurse,” she added. “It was a lovely job in a beautiful part of Northumberland and I was always welcomed into people’s houses. I can’t remember 16 happier years.”

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a nurse