Page 12 - QARANC Vol 20 No 3 2023

12 The Gazette QARANC Association
A centenary of service:
100 YEARS OF MALE NURSES CELEBRATED
Our Colonel in Chief, HRH The Countess of Wessex, and fellow dignitaries joined the Association at Netley Military Hospital in September to mark 100 years of male nurses. Regimental Secretary Sue McAteer reports...
In September 1922 male nurses were acknowledged for the first time in the publication of the supplement to the Nursing Register. The majority of male nurses on the register were Army Nurses, many of whom trained at Netley Military Hospital.
So, the Royal Victoria Chapel Netley was selected as the ideal commemorative location for a celebratory event. The Chapel is the only remaining part of Netley Military Hospital; one of the largest military hospitals where Army nurses trained and worked prior to, during and after the First World War.
In addition to being the centenary of male nurse registration, 2022 was also the 30th anniversary of male nurses transferring from the RAMC to the QARANC.
We gathered on a bright sunny day, serving and veterans, to learn about and reflect upon a significant part of military nursing history. The day was hosted by CNO(A) Col Alison Farmer, alongside our Colonels Commandant, Col Kefford and Col Davies. We were honoured to be joined by our Colonel-in-Chief, HRH The Countess of Wessex, alongside local dignitaries, the Lord Lieutenant Hampshire, The Mayor of Eastleigh, and the Chair of Hampshire County Council.
In addition to being the centenary of male nurse registration, 2022 was also the 30th anniversary of male nurses transferring from the RAMC to the QARANC