There is no shortage of history to be found at Launceston General Hospital.
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Of the hospital’s 50 nurses who were sent overseas for service during World War I, 32 completed their training in Launceston.
A further 26 LGH-trained nurses also served during World War II – the stories of which can be found in a new book titled Courage, Calmness and Caring.
On Sunday the LGH Historical Committee will launch the book, dedicated to LGH-trained nurses who served during both world wars.
The books author, Deanna Ellis, has spent the past 18 months working on the project – completed just in time for the Centenary of Armistice.
“We set November 11 as the launch date, because it is such a significant day,” she said.
“There were many nurses who were trained here in Launceston, and more who came to Launceston to be trained.
“They were all sent to different locations, and had different experiences.
“LGH nurses were highly valued by the doctors of war, because Launceston was one of the only hospitals at that time with nurses who had real theatre experience.”
A former nurse herself, Ms Ellis worked at LGH for more than 50 years in both nurse education and professional development.
As the president of the Ex-Trainee Nurses' Association, she is now dedicated to preserving the history of the hospital and the nurses who trained and worked there.
Through her research for the book, she said she was able to personally connect with the relatives of a number of LGH nurses who served during World War II.
“There are still many strong family links to be found at Launceston General Hosptial,” she said.
“I have met with many relatives, some who are working in the hospital today.
“When you are younger I don’t think you necessarily appreciate the history of a place or an experience, but when you get older it becomes a lot more significant.
“We need to keep the history alive, especially when it comes to war. I also like to think the experiences of nurses from my time, will also be shared like this by future generations.”
- A Centenary of Armistice service will be held at Launceston General Hospital from 10.50am on Sunday, followed by the book launch. The hospital’s annual Remembrance Day seminar will also take place from 1pm, at the level two lecture theatre.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
