Stories: Ethel Ellen Hutchings
Photo of Ethel, centre, holding what appears to be a dog, taken on the 18th May 1935 outside the Lady Dufferin Victoria Hospital, Calcutta.
Ethel Ellen Hutchings was born on the 22nd October 1884. Following a brief period as a dressmakers apprentice, she arrived at the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary in 1907 to begin her nurse training, completing in 1911.
What followed was a nursing career that spanned over 50 years and involved a World War and devotion to improving the training and conditions of nurses and midwives in India.
Click the photograph to view some of the items in our collection and to find out more about this remarkable woman’s life following the end of her training.
Origins: William Strutt and The General Infirmary
Discover more about the original Infirmary in Derby and the people behind it.
Look more into the innovative designs and architecture, taken from the some of William Strutt's designs of textile mills and applied to a hospital setting.
Click the engraving to find out more about the origins of the modern Derby Hospitals.
To discover more about William Strutt and his involvement with the collection, click here to go to our 'Talking Heads' video.
Events: Queen Victoria visits Derby
On the 21st May 1891, Queen Victoria visited Derby in order to lay the foundation stone of what was to be the Derby Royal Infirmary on London Road.
It was to be a huge ceremony for the city, and fortunately for us, well documented. We have photographs and objects from the day in our collection. You can discover more about the visit by clicking on the photograph.
To discover more about Queen Victoria and her involvement with the collection, click here to go to our 'Talking Heads' video.
People: Barry John Wilson
In amongst our collection are a large number of objects that have been donated by Helen Fitchett, Family Support Worker with the Continuing Care Team. Helen is the daughter of Barry John Wilson who owned B.J Wilson Pharmacy, with branches in Borrowash, Oakwood, Sinfin, Draycott and Castle Gresley. The “B.J Wilson Pharmacy” collection includes an array of apothecary items including bottles, ceramics, 19th century pills, atomisers, scales, a fabulous poison register and a 19th Century pill rolling machine.
To find out more about Barry John Wilson and the items in the collection, click on his photo.
Origins: The Workhouses of Derby and Burton
There are links between the workhouses of Derby and Burton to our collection, with many of the old buildings repurposed for hospital use, with some still being used.
For more information on the workhouses, and how they relate to items in our collection, please click on the workhouse building photo.
Stories: The "Windrush" Nurses
The Windrush generation, who arrived in the UK from the Caribbean countries, helped to reinforce the job sectors depleted by the post-war labour shortages. The NHS was one of the major sectors who relied upon this new influx of hardworking people. Click on the image to read the story of Dorcas Minto..
