Cambridge University Library, Cambridgeshire: First Great Eastern Hospital
Where medical students were encouraged to get first-hand experience of treating wounds
Gas and ether played its part at the hutted hospital at the site of what is now Cambridge University Library. Built on the cricket field for King’s and Clare Colleges the First Eastern General could cater for the wounded sent back from the front.
The building known as the hutted hospital was constructed with a central spine having two parallel corridors with each hut branching out from these allowing for the sides to open for fresh air to stop cross infection. A central heating system kept hot water readily available, saline baths helped patients with bad open wounds.
Addenbrooke’s surgeon Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Griffiths as commanding officer encouraged medical students to get first-hand experience helping the wounded.
Ruth Dingly who was studying at Newnham College began her medical career at the First Eastern General Hospital.
Location: Cambridge University Library, West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DR
Postcard of First Eastern Hospital courtesy of Martin Edwards from www.roll-of-honour.com
Preseted by Ruth Dingly
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