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: “Harvard Field Hospital methods. Picture shows the nurses’ alcove in the centre of the ward unit. The central heating furnace is here and also the locked cupboard for special drugs.”
The American Red Cross Harvard Field Hospital Unit was established in August 1940 and opened in late 1941. The pre-fabricated hut hospital provided approximately 100 beds for civilians and military personnel. The hospital specialised in communicable diseases, as the British government stated that this area was most in need of the services of the Red Cross. As such, it provided treatment as well as gathering information on epidemics for the US government. Staff had previous experience of treating epidemics: doctors from Harvard Medical School, laboratory technicians, and American Red Cross nurses were employed. From the hospital’s headquarters, flying squads could be sent anywhere in the country to treat an epidemic. The hospital was transferred to the US Army in 1942, when it served as a blood transfusion centre for allied troops in Europe until 1945. In 1946 it opened as the Common Cold Research Unit, which closed in 1990. See also MED01/01/2481-2489 and MED01/01/2491-2495. 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
Infectious Diseases Hospital, People At Work, Second World War, Women's History, Health And Welfare
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