Catalogue

Interview
1175, LO/522/472
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: Cairns, David Robinson, 1907 - , Interviewee, Male, Obstetrician
Speaker: Johnson, R, Interviewer, Female

Summary of interview item: Outlines progress from father's general practice in Belfast via City of London maternity Hospital to obstetrician at Lewisham Hospital during Second World War blitz. States pay through this period. Recalls Leicester General Hospital (LGH) operating theatres as 'pretty ropey', outlines how gynaecological ward started. Mentions LGH first in Leicester to use cervical smears, training midwives, working nights, little changing with advent of National Health Service. Talks about how consultants' hospital sessions divided into 'elevenths'. Mentions epidemic of enteritis, cockroaches, birds flying into ward, talking jackdaw. Talks about performing abortions, dealing with backstreet abortions, Sister Tite starting neo-natal department. Describes weekly routine.
Place of birth: Belfast
Education: Royal Belfast Academic Institution
Marital Status: , Children:
Father's Occupation: Doctor
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester
Periods Covered: 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s
Language: English

Recording Date: 13/1/1989
Playing time: 55 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:

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Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.