Location
Royal College of Nursing Library and Museum
Exhibition Launch
Join us for the launch of a new exhibition on the history of prison nursing, from the early nineteenth century to the present day.
The launch event will include a panel discussion on the past, present and future of prison health, drop-in activities and a chance to view the exhibition. Refreshments will be provided.
Speakers include: Donna Goddard, Ann Norman, Sobanan Naranthiren and Liz Walsh.
Doors open at 5pm and the talks/online event starts at 6pm.
This event is in person and online and open to all.
If you have any questions or accessibility needs, please contact us on rcn.library@rcn.org.uk or 0345 337 3368.
https://www.rcn.org.uk/news-and-events/events/prison-nursing-exhibition-launch
Exhibition
Discover the little-known history of prison nursing and the vital contribution that nurses make to prisoner welfare today.
Today, nurses play a vital role in prison health care. At the heart of their work is ‘equitable care’ – ensuring that people in prison receive the same quality of health care as those in the community. However, as recently as 30 years ago, many prisoners would never have encountered a registered nurse.
This exhibition explores the fascinating history of health care in prisons, from the work of early reformers like Elizabeth Fry to the vital contribution that nurses make to prisoner health today. Discover the experiences of suffragettes, force-fed in Holloway Prison, the formation of secure hospitals like Broadmoor, and artwork created by prisoners and nurses at HM Prison Eastwood Park and HM Prison Warren Hill.
The exhibition was co-created with Royal College of Nursing members, with support from the RCN History of Nursing Forum and the RCN Forensic and Justice Nursing Forum.
The exhibition will run at RCN London HQ, Thursday 24 April – Saturday 11 October 2025 and then at RCN Scotland (final dates tbc).
https://www.rcn.org.uk/news-and-events/news/prison-nursing-unlocked-exhibition