Main description:

For many years, Newcastle has enjoyed a reputation as a centre for medical excellence. From the pioneering `flying squads' that were sent out to help mothers experiencing serious problems with home births in the 1930s to Europe's first single and double lung transplants, Newcastle hospitals have been at the centre of numerous breakthroughs.
Ken Smith and Tom Yellowley trace the history of hospitals in Newcastle since Medieval times, examining their trials and triumphs and introducing some of the people behind their most inspiring successes.

Also featured is the history of Newcastle University's oldest department, its Medical School, which has trained countless doctors since it was founded in 1834 and by 1869 was the largest medical school in England outside London.

Contents:

Charity and prayer
The Infirmary at Forth Banks
Fevers and home visits
Caring for the `outcasts'
A second dispensary
The Royal Victoria Infirmary
The nursery rhyme tiles
From Rosemary Lane to Leazes Wing
The Bell's Court pioneers
Links with Durham and Malaysia
St Nicholas Hospital
Hanover Square to RVI
The workhouse transformed
The Eye Infirmary
Fighting TB
Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital
Hunter's Moor
Sanderson Hospital
The shipbuilder's gift
Dentistry at Handyside Arcade
The pioneering Freeman
Dr Ethel Williams
Postscript
Principal sources and further reading