Many Rivers to Cross

Caribbean People in the NHS 1948-69

Author:

Ann Kramer and NHS

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

Price: £9.50

Following World War Two, British hospitals were desperately short of staff. The response to the government recruitment campaign in the Caribbean was enormous: between 1948-69 thousands of Caribbean women and men came to work in the health service.

From the very beginning, nurses, doctors and other hospital workers from the Caribbean played a major role in the NHS. Yet their role and contributions are not covered in social or political histories of the NHS –– they have been left out. 'Many Rivers to Cross: Caribbean People in the NHS 1948-69' aims to redress the imbalance and place Caribbean nurses, doctors and ancillary workers where they belong, in the forefront of the development of the NHS.

It looks at the origins of the NHS, how West Indian nurses and health workers were recruited to work in NHS hospitals, the work they did and their experiences. It includes reminiscences from more than 30 women and men, their voices and experiences give a vivid picture of what life was like for them in the UK and the NHS at that time, and how their determination and dedication enabled the NHS to provide its essential service.

Key features:

• Based on interviews conducted with over 30 people who traveled from the Caribbean to staff British hospitals from the late 1940s through to the 1960s.

• Reference list of further reading, other sources, photographs and websites.

Extent	130 pages	ISBN	9780113227211
Size	243 x 225mm	Price	£9.50
Format	Paperback	Published	14 Nov 2006
Availability	In Stock: 1 - 2 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges