Customer Reviews

4 reviews

• Jane Parker

  I have just finished this little book. It is a triumph not only did Barbara portray the era of care which made one realise how little knowledge was available and how so many people suffered terribly before seeking help. Barbara's compassion came through time and time again along with her ability to laugh and cry with these communities .My own parents were of that generation they never discussed anything and going to the Drs was only if you were dying. ! What Barbara achieved was remarkable in such harsh conditions whether it be weather, geographical or typical mindsets of the era. A really enlightening read.
  
  

• Sheila Williams

  Recounted in Barbara's inimitable style, this unique insight into her life as a community nurse in remote parts of North Yorkshire during the mid 60s is a fascinating read. Depicting a way of life which has been swept aside by the social changes of recent decades, it underlines the importance of trust, compassion and kindness which must exist between nurse and patient.

• Mona Tyler

  Learning ‘on the job’ was the vision of Florence Nightingale herself in the late 19th century as she emphasized personal development through experience plus the desire to LEARN MORE and ‘not go back’.
  
  These sentiments are epitomised in Barbara Borwell’s life in the nursing profession: but in addition, her energetic and creative concern for her patients is patently obvious as we read of the encounters in this book.
  
  Here is a nurse dedicated not only to her patients but to the community in general as her initiatives encouraged and emboldened people to support each other in proactive groups that inspired social integration.
  
  There is a distinctive personal touch in the events captured in this book: and an opportunity for us, as readers, to relish the ingenuity of a deeply committed District Nurse who augmented her medical equipment with imaginative backups!
  
  You will encounter homemade oxtail soup in flasks, cotton pants from jumble sales, balloons to alleviate pressure sores, bricks wrapped in hessian sacks……and watch out for the parrot who has a penchant for lamb chops!
  
  I can thoroughly recommend this book, which is informative, interesting, and in many HOMELY ways delightful.

• Jane Joyce

  So enjoyed reading this and learning about Barbara’s working life in those days. Sensitively written and informative.

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