The original caption may contain language which is historic and which may no longer be considered appropriate. It has been retained in the record in the interest of historical accuracy.
The caption on the reverse of the photograph reads: “Caring for private patients. Picture shows a corner of the floor kitchen (each floor has its own kitchen) with the patients’ trays set out. Cupboards with sliding doors (above) are a feature of all the kitchens.”
A new private patients’ wing was opened at the Leeds General Infirmary in November 1940. It was the first time in the hospital’s history that paying patients were accepted. The Brotherton Wing was named after its benefactor Charles Frederick Ratcliffe Brotherton and also housed an outpatients’ department. When it opened, the wing had space for 57 patients with the hope that nearly 100 could be accommodated in the future. Features included telephones, wireless headphones, noise-reducing wall and ceiling tiles, visits by hairdressers, and a switch system by each bed to call nurses. Patients’ food was prepared in the kitchen by dieticians, served on heated trays, and brought to the wards in heated lifts. All patients were admitted except infectious and maternity cases, “certifiable mental diseases”, and those deemed to be incurable. See also MED01/01/1665-1671 and MED01/01/1673-1677. High-resolution copies of this image are available for free for non-commercial use. Please Enquire to place an order.
This is part of the Series: MED01/01 Series of prints; within the Collection: MED01 Topical Press Agency Medical Collection
Source: Historic England Archive
Photographer: Topical Press Agency Limited
Photographer: Harrison, Norman Kingsley
Kitchen, Hospital, Private Patients Ward, People At Work, Women's History, Food And Drink, Health And Welfare
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