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: “Student nurses demonstrate wound irrigation (Pictures taken at Leicester City General Hosp.) Picture shows the irrigation tubes being placed in position on top of the gamgee dressing placed over the wound.”
Gamgee tissue is a surgical dressing consisting of absorbent cotton wool and gauze. When it was introduced in the late 19th century, Gamgee tissue was a major development in the prevention of infection and it still used as the basis for modern dressings. In the place of complete immersion, constant irrigation was proved beneficial to wound healing. Saline was “simple and painless” and brought much relief to the patient as well as cleaning wounds. See also MED01/01/2295-2298. 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
Hospital, People At Work, Women's History, Health And Welfare
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