Black Notley Hospital

I worked as a staff nurse in the hospital from Nov 1978 to Jul 1979 when I left to do my midwifery training in Colchester maternity hosp, I have many fond memories of my time on black notley

I was also a patient for several months at the hospital in 1950 when I was 7 years old. I remember there was a covered walkway along the outside of the ward and in the winter, even in snow, we were often wheeled out in our beds to take in the fresh air.

I was a patient at Black Notley hospital in 1954 when I was five. I too, remember my bed being pushed outside, under the covered walkway, regardless of the weather. I also remember the nurses taking away any sweets left by my parents, even when I hid a tube of fruit pastilles in my bed!

Two books have been written by former patients, one of them held for posterity by Essex Record Office.

I was a TB (of the spine) patient at Black Notley Hospital for two years, 1952-54. I don't remember any of it but have several photographs of my time there, taken by my parents. The treatment (bed rest and fresh air mostly) must have worked because I made what was thought to be a full recovery. However, within a year TB returned with a vengeance. In 1955 I was sent to Chailey Heritage, a long stay hospital/institution in Sussex, where I stayed for 11 years.

While you were there did you remember nurse Josephine Hendry\/?& Mary Connolly? both were Irish. What a long hospital stay you had as a child ,I trust you are well now. Thank goodness TB all but eradicated here now.

While you were there did you remember nurse Josephine Hendry\/?& Mary Connolly? both were Irish. What a long hospital stay you had as a child ,I trust you are well now. Thank goodness TB all but eradicated here now.

The most memorable time of my life was and always be in 1952. when I started at Black Motley Hospital as a student nurse. .. In Feb.1952 after completing college , I traveled from Jamaica West Indies along with other students destined for other hospitals .We traveled by ship-" The Cunyard Line" which took us 21days before arriving at South Hampton.Then picked up by a Ward Sister then was driven for miles before reaching "Motley"we hours of the morning.. The other students from other countries were awake curious on see who I was. Yes I was the first black student to start there. Naturally I became the center of attraction. But as the days went on students came from South Africa , Ireland , Germany , France, 3 others from Jamaica as well. I most say that my most favorite were the Irish I have so many wonderful stories to tell , of my experience never to be forgotten. ,I completed my studies and became a "State Registered Nurse" I also met the love of my life and was married in May 1956. My daughter Gillian way born at Julian Courtalls. Hospital. I lived in the little town of Braintree until we left for the United States in July 1958. We arrived in California , and in 2 weeks I apply for a job and was hired the same day. After 36 years working at the same hospital I retired. My husband and I love to travel. and my last visit to Braintree in 1983 was to visit 🚭ley and my favorite Ward Sister -Olive Choate who has since passed away,. . Such wonderful memories.Thanks for the opportunity......Enor