Early NHS experiences

When my aunt (born 1916) had scarlet fever aged five and was in hospital she told me her parents weren't allowed to visit but they would let the ward sister know when they would be outside in the street and my aunt would be allowed to stand by the window so she could see them. I loved Virol and orange juice. Another aunt breast fed her babies but maybe because of rationing, was allowed powdered baby milk which we all drank and which I also loved. I had penicillin gauze for a bad burn in about 1951 and penicillin lozenges in 1948 for what we call strep throat now. But the bugs hadn't developed resistance then. I had my tonsils and adenoids out on an adult ward just after the war. I was telling an old friend about this awful experience and he said his had been removed in the kitchen!

I was about 5 or 6 when I had my tonsils out in a Plymouth hospital, I was born in 1946 so that would be about 4 years into the NHS. I remember the high sided metal cot I was in. I was in hospital for a week and parents were not allowed to visit at all. Nurse had one of those nice triangular pointed head gear, blue dress and starched apron with a watch - delightful. Mum had no idea when or how I would be sent home and I apparently arrived one day in a car. Just as well someone was in I suppose.

I had my tonsils out because of recurring ear problems. I can remember the awful pain and how my ear would "run" and stick to the pillow. I guess that was before antibiotics were available.

I believe the NHS started July 5th 1948, when I was three.

Being born before the NHS, Mum had me at home, just like in that series 'call the midwife'. Dad was with her, and I was taking my time to arrive, so he told her a filthy joke, and I was born as she and the midwife were laughing their heads off. Somehow, this has always seemed significant to my life.