In this section, you will find some transcriptions of documents relating to the Army Nursing Service prior to the formation of Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service in 1902.  Information about the service during this early period is difficult to find, and it is hoped that these accounts will prove interesting and informative.  The source of each is clearly stated at the top of each page, and should be cited as necessary if this information is used elsewhere.


History of the Army Nursing Service [1902]




     Following the formation of Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service as successor to the Army Nursing Service in 1902, there was a rapid expansion of the nursing establishment, and a desire to give nursing sisters more authority within the hospitals, more administrative powers, and a responsibility for the direction and training of orderlies of the Royal Army Medical Corps. To that end, inspections of all military hospitals were carried out in the autumn of 1902 by the Surgeon-General or his representatives, and in the spring of 1903 by the Matron-in-Chief, to report on how suitable the arrangements were, and to put forward any improvements thought necessary. The following reports are some of the few surviving official insights into the workings of military hospitals during the period.  Most are divided into two sections, one a report by the Surgeon-General or his representative, and the second a report by the Matron-in-Chief or Principal Matron into the nursing conditions during this time of upheaval and reorganisation.
Please note:  The original formatting of these reports cannot be reproduced correctly on these pages, and some comments on the nursing reports, made later by the medical officer, have been omitted.  Please refer to the originals if complete accuracy is needed for research purposes.

Royal Victoria Hospital Netley - Two Reports 1902-3

Herbert Hospital Woolwich - Reports 1902-3

Cambridge Hospital Aldershot - Reports 1902-3

Citadel Hospital Cairo - Report 1910

Military Hospital Chatham - Reports 1902-3