My first visit to the Mothers'

Patricia describes her mother's anger at her secret application to train at the Mothers' Hospital.

Looking after the babies

Patricia recalls being thrown in at the deep end at the start of her training, being expected to take responsibility for newborn babies from day one. She remembers the hospital's strict feeding regime, with babies being weighed before and after a 7oz bottle, the bed rest policy for mothers, and the experience of being on night duty.

Kind Eastenders

Patricia describes her mother's fears about her going to work in the 'dangeous' East End, but Patricia recalls the friendliness of the place and her relationships with some of the patients.

Different kinds of mothers

Patricia recalls unmarried and Jewish mothers. She remembers being tipped 10 shillings to be present at the circumcision ceremonies of Jewish baby boys - and sampling the ceremonial wine after the rabbi's departure!

Gabardines and storm caps

Patricia remembers trips to Selfridges to buy uniforms, particularly the elaborate storm caps and how the young trainees "fancied themselves" in their finery.

Mice in nurses' accommodation

Patricia describes the trainees' accommodation, and how the illicit toasting of smuggled bread on the gas fire led to a mouse problem.

Rationing after the war

Food rationing was still in force while Patricia was training at the Mothers', and here she recalls what this was like, and the joy of being given sweet coupons as presents by grateful patients.

Boiled eggs and religion

No opportunity was missed to remind staff of the values of the Salvation Army, and Patricia remembers how Biblical texts could be found in some unusual places at the hospital.

The all female staff

Patricia discusses the all-female environment of the hospital, the relationship between doctors and other staff members, and the role of religion in the lives of the staff.

Staff prayers and the building

Patricia remembers staff prayers on Sunday mornings, special prayers for good trainees, and what the hospital building looked like. Patricia also gives more detail here about staff accommodation, where exactly different staff members lived, and how the laundry was done.

Giving birth at the Mothers'

Patricia describes what a typical woman's stay would be like at the Mothers', and recalls the impression made by labouring women on a naive young girl. Patricia marvels retrospectively at her own youth in relation to the responsibilities she was expected to shoulder at The Mothers', and speculates on how much earlier people grew up 60 years ago, and the huge differences between being a teenager then and now.