A Glint of Black Stocking: the Royal Infirmary

When Tom Barclay returns to the Industrial West Riding of Yorkshire, England shortly after the end of World War II he finds his relationship with his daughter drastically affected. He's served five and a half years abroad in the Army. She was eight when he left and fourteen when he returned. Jonquil Barclay chooses a nursing career against her father's wishes and enters Prelimanary Training School at the local Royal Infirmary in November 1949. Strict imposed and self-discipline is required from day one. Serious illness, death, drudgery, extreme emotions and the traumas of patients and their families become daily life. As do the rewards of working as a team, the joys of seeing patients recover and sheer job satisfaction. Four young nurses rooming together become firm friends. They have fun bending the Infirmary rules and find relief from their tensions in sharing experiences. Young love intrudes in more ways than one and a surprising Infirmary intrigue develops. Christmas 1949 shows a rare, happy atmosphere for patients and staff alike. The joy of getting through her PTS exams at the end of three hard months is more than Joni ever hoped for.