Memories of the Women’s College Hospital School of Nursing Memories of the Women’s College Hospital School of Nursing
The Class of 1925 held their graduation ceremony in the backyard of Women’s College Hospital, a house on Rusholme Road.
Unlike today, newborns were cared for in a central nursery by nurses, not in their mothers’ rooms.
The nickname “Peaches” was given to her by classmates because of her peaches-and-cream complexion.
Following tradition, a tea was held for the graduating class in Burton Hall using the hospital’s silver tea service.
On the day of convocation, graduates wore a white graduation uniform and a black band on their nurse’s cap to the ceremony.
The name of each nursing student was embroidered on the lining of the cape to avoid confusion in the nurses’ cloak room.
Registered nurses trained and supervised students in all parts of the hospital, including the surgical wards and the operating room.
Dorothy Macham, a graduate of the Women’s College Hospital School of Nursing, went on to serve as the hospital’s superintendent for 30 years.
Strong lifelong bonds were formed between classmates at the Women’s College Hospital School of Nursing.
As a tradition, each year the Alumnae Association held a dinner in honour of the nursing school’s graduating class.
The Alumnae Association held a variety of social events for its members, including dinners, teas and educational lectures.
The Alumnae Association held annual bazaars to help support scholarships for the graduates of the Women’s College Hospital School of Nursing.
