Articles on this
page are normally totally related to local history, but every now and then I
feel that it is important to use the pages of this site to provide local
information. This is one such occasion, there is however a link to our past
involved in this article.
On 29th May
2013, I was a guest at the recently refurbished Florence Institute, following
an invitation from, 'Liverpool Community Health'. The event, appropriately
titled ‘From Washhouse to WI-FI’, was a members event designed to show the
progress made in community health care over the years and to introduce members
to the services available in the community now.
Liverpool
Community Health, deliver quality healthcare in the community and have over
3000 dedicated staff caring for people in Liverpool, Sefton, Knowlsey, Halton
and St Helens.
On arrival we
were greeted by some famous local historical figures, prominent in Liverpool’s
past.
 |
| Left to Right - Dr Duncan, Kitty Wilkinson, Agnes Elizabeth Jones and Joseph Williamson |
William Henry
Duncan (27 January 1805 – 23 May 1863), also known as Doctor Duncan, was an
English doctor who worked in Liverpool. He was appointed Medical Officer of
Health on 1 January 1847.
Kitty Wilkinson
(Catherine Wilkinson) (1786–1860) was an Irish migrant, "wife of a
labourer", who became known as the Saint of the Slums. In 1832, during a
cholera epidemic, she had the only boiler in her neighbourhood, so she invited
those with infected clothes or linens to use it, thus saving many lives. This
was the first public washhouse in Liverpool. Ten years later with public funds
her efforts resulted in the opening of a combined washhouse and public baths,
the first in the United Kingdom.
Agnes Elizabeth
Jones (1832 – 1868) of Fahan, County Donegal, Ireland became the first trained
Nursing Superintendent of Liverpool Workhouse Infirmary. She gave all her time
and energy to her patients and died at the age of 35 from typhus fever.
Florence Nightingale said of Agnes Elizabeth Jones, ‘She overworked as others
underwork. I looked upon hers as one of the most valuable lives in England.’
Joseph
Williamson (10 March 1769–1 May 1840) was an eccentric, businessman, property
owner, and a philanthropist.
The actors were
there to assist with the presentation, and an excellent job they did too,
helping everyone present to realise the dreadful conditions that had once
existed in the city and demonstrating just how far we have come in terms of
imroving care in our communities.
 |
| The Actors meeting members after the formal event |
There were a
number of stalls with health professionals available to give advice
Liverpool
Community Health, want to become a Community Foundation Trust, but to do so
they need us. They are currently
building a membership that will become the foundation of the trust and want us
to be a part of it.
Being a member
is absolutely free!
By signing you
will receive a welcome pack and member’s card and get regular newsletter
telling you about the service and its plans for the future and how you can get
involved. I am happy to promote the work of LCH on ‘Liverpool Picturebook’ as
it makes a difference to all our lives in so many ways, from ‘Walk In Centres’
to health visitors, to ensuring immunisations for children and adults.
Sign up as a
member and help make a difference to community health in your area!
Links
For more
information or to request a Membership Application form or to request a form in
an alternative format or language please telephone 0151 295 3041
or email
equality@liverpoolch.nhs.trust
Membership Office 0151 295 3008
Robert F Edwards
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