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Patricia gets her nurse's badge

Patricia Rock (nee Watkins) worked in a variety of roles throughout south east Essex during the early days of the NHS. She gives an insight into that era: I'D wanted to become a nurse since I was a girl. But at the age of 14, after spending many of my schooldays in air raid shelters, I thought theopportunity would never materialise.

When the NHS was set up and started recruiting, it gave me the opportunity to fulfil my ambition.

I worked in several locations in south east Essex, including Southend, Rochford and Canvey.

I trained at Southend Hospital and most of what I learnt is still relevant today. We were taught to be extremely vigilant about hygiene and sterility on the labour ward and no one with any infection was allowed to stay on duty.

We were a team with one aim- to make people well. And because we felt secure, the patients also felt secure and happy.

One of my strongest memories is caring for the survivors of the Canvey floods.

It was a very busy time on the wards and many were suffering from frostbite and hyperthermia. People were frantically making up beds and putting in electric blankets.

My midwifery training took me to Rochford Hospital. Things were very different back then. Scans were unheard of.

Apart from a foetal stethoscope, our hands were the main instruments. X-rays were occasionally used if disproportion or twins were suspected. It was a busy maternity unit, serving the whole of south east Essex.

Yet, because of good nursing procedures, there were very few problems.

7:16pm Tuesday 8th July 2008

The launch of the NHS led to a big campaign for nurses

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