Midwifery early 1900's

[gorgeousgirl68]

I'm really sorry!! me again, this is such a good informative and helpful site!
My g great aunt EMILY KATE PRESLAND born sept 1874 in PORTSEA, Hampshire. Qualified as a nurse in 1902 at the Infirmary, parish of Lambeth. then qualified as a MIDWIFE in 1907. She died around 1959, a spinster.
All that I know of her career is that she was present at the birth of Sir Francis Pym, politician(according to family legend!).
How would I possibly be able to find out about her lifes work? Are there likely to be medical records or other sources?
I'd really appreciate any advice that anyone may be able to give me.
Best wishes
Cheryl

[hughar]

According to the biography at http://www.bookrags.com/biography/francis-pym/
Francis Pym was born 13 February 1922 in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Wales.

You might also find something useful here http://www.rcm.org.uk/rcm/pages/aboutus.php?id=3

[Colin Moretti]

Hello Cheryl

If she worked in a hospital (and you know which one) you can check here to find what staff records survive and where you can access them:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/hospitalrecords/
There may, of course, be access restrictions for personal records.

Colin

[gorgeousgirl68]

thank you very much, thats really helpful
Best wishes
Cheryl

[kathy15185]

You might also benefit from reading History's Midwives, by Joan E Grundy, published by the Federation of Family History Societies. I dipped into it during the Who Do You Think You Are? Live at Olympia in May this year, and it is fascinating. Might relate to too early a period for you, though. It is available from ABC publishing.
A great uncle of mine married a nurse, who must have done midwifry training. They emigrated to New Zealand, where the wife set up a midwifry centre or service. I have a photo of her as a nurse with a group of nurses of differing ranks, including matron, looking severe and strict, and sitting in a deck-chair with her legs crossed. A wonderful photo, although I've no idea which hospital(s) she worked in. I also have a lot of photos which my great uncle and his wife sent over from New Zealand from when they went over there to when they were very old.
But that is by the by.

Good luck,
Kathy

[gorgeousgirl68]

fantastic, thanks so much!
Regards
Cheryl