We recently met with RCN member volunteers who are working on our next exhibition about the history of nursing in prisons and criminal justice settings. During the visit, we examined key items from our Nursing History Collection, including materials related to prison reforms and the first textbook on prison nursing, Prison Hospital Nursing: Being a Manual of First Aid and Nursing for Prison Hospital Staff, published in 1902.
Written by Dr. Herbert Smalley, MD, Medical Inspector of Prisons, the book provides valuable insights into prison life and was written for probationers training to become part of the newly established prison hospital staff. In addition to emphasizing the importance of nurses maintaining their own health - through rest, good nutrition, exercise, and outside interests - Dr. Smalley offers practical advice on managing hospital wards, recognizing signs and symptoms of illness, wound dressing, and observing psychiatric patients.
This new exhibition launches on 24 April 2025, save the date and keep an eye on our events page for details.
