Back to the Eighties with Catherine Anderton (top row, third right)
Nurses were often trained in the hospitals where they worked until relatively recently.
It was only in 2009 nursing became an all-degree profession, 90 years after the first State Registered Nurses qualified. Before that any hospital could set up a nursing school and choose their own – very variable – standards.
Catherine Anderton walked through the doors of Blackpool Victoria School of Nursing 38 years ago today “and my life changed forever”, she says.
“Nursing had been my dream and the next three years were some of the best of my life. Our nursing group laughed, cried and partied hard. I made friends that remain part of my life to this day.”
She went on to work as a staff nurse for two years before training to be a midwife in 1990. They were one of the final cohorts to train at Blackpool in what is now the colposcopy unit.
“The NHS and more importantly Blackpool has provided me with a career I love,” said Catherine.
“I worked as the community midwife in Fleetwood for 25 years caring for some of the most amazing families. These families gave me back far more than I gave them. I’m still working but now as a clinical governance midwife.
“Thank you NHS for giving me opportunity, passion, security, a future and a work family that I love dearly.”
… share your NHS75 story
We’re counting down the 75 days to the 75th anniversary of the founding of the NHS on 5 July – and Trust colleagues, patients and the local community can all take part.
We also want to hear what you love about the NHS as well as your stories and memories – and thank you to everyone who has been in touch so far.
- How has the NHS changed you or your family’s life for the better?
- Do you have pictures of times past at our hospitals and sites you’d like to share?
- Did you have family or friends who were with the NHS at its start in 1948?
- What inspired you to work in the NHS?
- Tell us if you are just one of many generations to work in the NHS
Share your ideas and memories by visiting the My Story section on our NHS75 web pages.