Charles Turton
Dr Charles Turton was born in East Grinstead in 1947.
Charles begins by talking about his inspirations for working in medicine, including inspirational teachers and a grandmother who was a radiologist.
Charles trained at King’s College London, plus studying for a BSc in Biochemistry ‘in the middle of it’. He recalls it being an enjoyable experience but the accommodation being damp. He decided early on that he wanted to do medicine rather than surgery.
He was first employed at King’s College Hospital, pre-registration house officer, then at The Brompton (International Chest Centre). He remembers there being ‘inspirational people there’, and being determined to do chest medicine. Series of training jobs in London then Brighton.
Became a consultant at Royal Sussex County Hospital in 1981. Remembers many interesting colleagues, including Tony Trafford who took a significant role in treating casualties in the 1984 Brighton bombing of the Conservative Party conference.
He talks about the development of his career, how he was drawn into management, and becoming a consultant member of the Health Authority. He then became first Clinical Director for Medicine, and later Trust Medical Director. He talks about being ‘hugely proud’ of Royal Sussex County Hospital.
Douglas Chamberlain
Dr Douglas Chamberlain was born in Cardiff, Wales in 1931.
Douglas talks about his inspiration for working in medicine, and his route into medicine – training at Queen’s College, Cambridge in 1950, followed by St Bartholomew’s Hospital (1953-56).
After qualifying, he worked for six months at country branch of National Heart Hospital and six months at Royal United Hospital, Bath. Spent a year in Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston for 1 year (1968). A short spell at Brompton Hospital then cardiology department at St Bart’s where he became involved in research on beta-blockers with ICI.
Douglas talks further about his career, including working in Brighton, how doctors would do their own management and administration, evolution of treatment methods and impact of the job on his personal life.
Recorded on 05/10/2019 in Brighton, UK.
Hospital staff, group photo, c. 1900
In this photo, which shows a group of nurses and a physician in a white lab coat arranged symmetrically around Matron in her dark dress without apron, we see degrees of personal expression in the way hair is styled, and the starched cap is arranged, reflecting the fashion at the time. The composition of this particular group portrait is particularly expressive with regards to the hierarchies within the hospital.
Image courtesy of Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Decorated hospital ward, c. 1900
The photograph shows a beautifully decorated hospital ward, with flower ornaments and small Christmas trees. Even the beds are richly decorated with flowers (c. 1910). Our collections contain quite a number of photographs from hospital wards from both Royal Sussex County Hospital and Royal Alexandra Hospital (which is now a part of RSCH) which are decked out in celebration of public holidays or illustrious visits.
Image courtesy of Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Nurses decorating Christmas tree, 1920s
Nurses decorating a large Christmas tree, having to use a tall folding ladder to reach. Many photographs that have been preserved show preparations for holidays and celebrations, with nursing staff taking pride in creating a beautiful environment for their patients. The photo was taken in the 1920s, which can be seen in hairstyles and the manner in which the cap is tied.
Image courtesy of Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Hospital ward, 1890s
The photograph shows a spotless hospital ward in the 1890s that is decorated with flowers in vases, flawlessly polished furniture, and attended by nursing staff in crisp, white uniforms. The environment reflects the contemporary vision of best practice in healthcare, mirroring a well-to-do home environment, albeit with more daylight and less upholstery for hygienic purposes. The ceiling height and the tall windows maximised sunlight, and the emphasis on cleanliness and order in every detail from uniforms to furnishing allows us to see what values were prioritised.
Image courtesy of Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.
A Royal visit by Duke and Duchess of York, 1928
Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth) visit Brighton to open the new east wing of Royal Alexandra Hospital for Sick Children, 30 May 1928, accompanied by an entourage and the Mayor of Brighton (Alderman Charles Kingston).
Following the visit to the hospital, the royal party went to Devil’s Dyke to attend the unveiling of a stone commemorating the purchase of the Dyke Estate by the Brighton Corporation. The Duke dedicated the Dyke, “for the use of the public forever.”
Image courtesy of Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Nurses, 1890s
This group portrait shows six nurses in the Florence Nightingale-style white aprons and starched caps, posing in the grounds of Royal Alexandra Hospital, which is now a part of Royal Sussex County Hospital. Although there were small developments of this style of uniform from its 1860s design, for example the addition of apron pockets, this model would not change significantly until WW1 when more practical models were introduced.
Royal Sussex County Hospital 1926 centenary fundraising poster
Prior to the NHS, the hospital regularly fundraised through efforts like the one described in this poster, or charitable events. The centenary was a major event in the hospital’s history, and the goal of this initiative was to raise funds for 225 new beds.
The hospital has always struggled with a shortage of beds and nurses. When it was built (starting in 1826), the intention was not to provide healthcare for all who needed it, but for a selection of the deserving poor (and initially only males). Those who could afford it were visited by physicians in their homes. Hospital expansions between the wars benefited mostly women and children.
A Ball poster, 1826
Promotional poster for ‘A Ball’ held to raise £2,000 towards the construction of [Royal] Sussex [County] Hospital in December 1826.
Prior to the NHS, funds for hospitals were all privately raised, including through events such as advertised in the ‘A Ball’ poster – inviting the ‘well-to-do’ of Brighton and Sussex to contribute to the capital costs of the hospital while taking part in a social event.
Poster image courtesy of Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Chinese Fair promotional print, 1920
Fairs such as the ‘Chinese Fair’ held at Brighton Dome in November 1920 were regularly held to help fund Royal Sussex County Hospital’s activity, including accommodation, treatment and capital work.
The ‘Chinese Fair’ would have been seen as one of the ‘big events’ of the year. Human engagement was seen as central to such events, fostering community spirit and an opportunity for personal interaction, as well as raising funds for the hospital.
It gave an opportunity to promote a common enthusiasm for a cause or theme. The ‘Chinese Fair’ was an opportunity to see personal costume collections and speak with those who had visited China; there were also Chinese guests at the fair, including Sao Ke, Alfred Sze and Madame Sze present. These events provided an opportunity for residents to speak with peers and friends as well as amateur collectors and specialists.
Fundraising print below would have been given to guests at the ‘Chinese Fair’ to promote donations to the hospital.
Print material courtesy of Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Pound Day poster, 1938
Pound Day, St. Valentine’s Day, 1938 promotional poster. The first Pound Day for Sussex County Hospital was held on St. Valentine’s Day in 1905. Pound Days were popular, with Sussex County Hospital’s first Pound Day held on 14 February 1905 – these continued annually during the first half of the 20th century, alongside appeals and fundraising by women’s guilds and musical fundraisers, including by those organised by the Blue Bird Brigade and a Chinese Fair held in 1920 at The Dome.
Before the NHS, funds for the hospital were raised through a diversity of means, including appeal events. Appeals were popular in the late 1800s and early half of the 20th century, and included musical events, dances and fairs. Contribution to and attendance at such appeals was seen as an opportunity to participate in philanthropy and to be recognised for this generosity.
Poster courtesy of Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Merrie, Merrie England poster, 1917
Merrie, Merrie England, 1917 funding appeal promotional poster. Merrie, Merrie England would have taken place during World War I. Brighton was a popular place for the rich and aristocracy from across Europe during WWI, as Brighton was seen as a safe place to visit away from London.
Before the NHS, funds for the hospital were raised through a diversity of means, including appeal events. Appeals were popular in the late 1800s and early half of the 20th century, and included musical events, dances and fairs. Contribution to and attendance at such appeals was seen as an opportunity to participate in philanthropy and to be recognised for this generosity.
Poster courtesy of Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.