Management of nursing in 19th-century London

Abstract

Examination of manuscript sources from the London Homoeopathic Hospital (LHH) 1850–1899 are set in historical context by presentation of data from the House of Lords Select Committee on Metropolitan Hospitals Report (1892)¹ and review of selected items from the literature. This material shows the gradual progress in nursing practice, education and management at London hospitals.

Analysis of LHH primary historical source documents (Minutes of Board Meetings,² Minutes of Governors and Subscribers Meetings,³ Minutes of the LHH Staff Committee⁴ and the Medical Staff Committee⁵ and Clinical Notes⁶) show development of management and education systems in nursing. Less stress was placed on clinical practice. Significant support for development of nurse education at LHH was provided by members of the medical staff. The few references made to clinical nursing practice were recorded in the Medical Staff Committee Minutes. The strongest emphasis in all source material was on management of nursing services.

Exploration of nursing management in 19th century London, in particular at the London Homoeopathic Hospital, reveals many similarities between conditions then and the present. It also provides evidence of progress in professionalization of nursing, with enhanced autonomy in education and professional practice. In this context, it is worth exploring the mode of managing nursing in 19th century voluntary hospitals and, in particular, at the London Homoeopathic Hospital.