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This WW2 story in written on behalf of Cissie Ridings, by Age Concern, East Cheshire and has been typed and sent in her presence.

TRAINING TO BE A FEVER NURSE IN 1939

In 1939, the same fear existed at the mention of Poliomyelitis - Meningitis - Diphtheria - Scarlet Fever -Tuberculosis (consumption) as it was then known, Erysipelas and Typhoid, as now exists at the mention of A.I.D.S.

Apart from Diphtheria anti toxin there were no drugs to combat these diseases and no preventative medicine. It was vital for the Diphtheria anti toxin to be given in the first few days, but whilst mothers would recognise a child was ill if a fever or a rash was present, in the case of Diphtheria the temperature was low so death would occur because of delay.

These infectious diseases had to be reported to the Medical Officer of Health. The local training school for fever nurses was Astley Sanatorium. This training was for a period of three years.

This training ceased some years after the War, due to the advancement in preventative medicine, the discovery of effective drugs and better sanitation. Thus infectious diseases were reduced dramatically, although some diseases are now creeping back, for example, Tuberculosis and Meningitis.

Because of circumstances, I never sat the "11" plus examination, leaving school at 14 years of age. It was a foregone conclusion that I would work in the cotton mill. After working there for a year, I rebelled and secured a job in Burtons tailoring factory. This was I thought a little step higher on the ladder of success. Then I moved on to the dizzy heights of a shop assistant. Secretly I had always wanted to be a Nurse.

When I was 17 years of age I had the courage to apply for fever nurse training at Astley sanatorium and was naturally rejected, being unable to meet the necessary educational requirements. Not easily discouraged, I managed to persuade a local councillor who was also a member of the hospital board at Astley sanatorium to plead on my behalf to be given the opportunity to enter nurse training. 1 do remember the letter from the Councillor saying I was obedient, I doubt if Matron had been asked later, she would have agreed!

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