Discussions

This week Brandon University is recognizing National Nurses Week in their Faculty of Nursing.  
 
Nursing in Brandon has had a long history starting in April 27th 1892 when the first Hospital was opened.  
 
The first patient was Mr. W. Card a young stableman formally from Ontario who had a leg amputated by Dr. Richmond Spencer. Mr. Card remained in Hospital for 27 days and his Bill was $25.00.  
 
Miss Margaret McVicar was the first Superintendent of the New Brandon Hospital, which opened in April of 1892. She was a graduate of the Winnipeg Hospital. Her staff was made up of a Senior Nurse, Miss Ellen Birtles, a Probationer, a Cook, an Orderly, and a Housemaid.  
 
Nurses earned a salary of five dollars a month for the first six months, rising to seven dollars for the next six months and ten dollars for the second year. They worked under a two-year contract.  
 
In 1898 Miss Annie McLaren, later Mrs. Kenner was the first graduate of the newly organized three year training course, and the first to receive a Registered Nurses certificate. Catherine McLaren Kenner lived until the age of 93, and died in 1965.  
 
To all the Nurses that have saved my life over the years – Thank you.  
 
There was once a bumper sticker that read: “Have you hugged a Nurse today” great sentiments, but at least give him a strong Handshake.  
 
Source: Brandon a city. G.F. Barker. BGH – 100 F. Madeline Perry.