Wigan Album

I remember as if it was yesterday as a five year old going through the entrance there. I had a broken arm caused by a little lad swinging me round! I was terrified! I recall the hall with benches and various doors leading off. The nurses with those stiff little caps and black stockings and white aprons. I had to lie down and recall a big round yellowish light above. Then I don't remember anymore after that! How it has changed over the years.

My Auntie Greta Bryson was a nurse there for many years & became a Theatre Sister.

I understand 'that fear' Veronica. And although not a situation as serious as yours, mine took in the scary prospect of being looked down on by a row of large brown glass storage jars in a doctor's surgery, as I fought valiantly against the prospect of having four, or was it six stitches, inserted into my eyebrow - ran my head into the corner of our stone sink I did.

Can make out a Royal Mail Post Box that's set into the right hand gate pillar, is there still a Post Box within the main entrance where it must have relocated after the gates were demolished, or has that now gone. Notice that there are a few cycles to the left of the main building - cycle shed perhaps.

I was in there last week for day-surgery. The building may be old-fashioned but the nursing service is second-to-none. I dreaded going through those gates but my fears were unfounded. A huge pat-on-the-back for the staff at The Royal Albert Edward at Wigan, to Leigh Infirmary, (which I attended previously), and to all our NHS Staff, wherever they may be.

Helen, I remember Sister Bryson well from my days as a student there during the late 60's and early 70's

Thats lovely that you remember Sister Bryson Beryl, her daughter Margaret would love to know that too. I lived with my Uncle & Aunt in Dicconson Street for a while back in the late 1940s & remember my Aunt could be a bit...sharp...she must have put fear into some of the young nurses !

I was in there last Wednesday evening having 6 stitches, or sutures as they are now called, 5 in my left palm and 1 in the right after having an altercation with a tarmacadamed road, on the WAY to the pub NOT leaving it !!! My late wife worked there for over 20 years.

Went through those gates hundreds of times when training at the best School of Nursing there was sadly no longer there, coming through the gates after 12 hour night duty.6 nights on duty then 3 off, god it was hard but happy days