Discover the Untold Stories of a Glasgow General Practice

By Kenneth E Collins

Step into the world of Dr. Hetty Ockrim, a pioneering general practitioner who recorded and analyzed oral history interviews with over seventy patients, office staff, and members of the nursing team. In this unique work, Kenneth E Collins presents the findings of Dr. Ockrim’s study, conducted between 1989 and 1992 in the socio-economically deprived areas of Ibrox and Govan in Glasgow.

The focus of Dr. Ockrim’s study went beyond clinical issues to explore personal and social aspects of her patients’ lives. The interviews captured valuable insights into healthcare experiences, service development, and the role of the doctor-patient relationship. Many of the interviewees offered memories stretching back before the establishment of the National Health Service, providing a unique historical perspective on healthcare and its evolution over time.

Uncovering the Historical Context of Healthcare

Central to the study is the historical context in which these interviews were conducted. Collins delves into the developments in health that occurred in the decades leading up to the study. By understanding the background, readers gain a deeper appreciation of the challenges and progress made in healthcare.

Oral History Methods in Medical Research

Collins also explores the methodology behind oral history research and its increasing use in medical history research. Through this approach, the benefits of capturing first-hand accounts and personal narratives are revealed, providing a more nuanced understanding of healthcare experiences.

Themes Explored in the Oral History

The interviews conducted by Dr. Ockrim cover a range of themes that were important to her patients in their encounters with healthcare. These themes shed light on the patient’s perspective and offer insights into what matters most to them in the delivery of healthcare services.

Women in Medicine

This book also addresses the increasing acceptance of women in medicine. By comparing how women doctors were viewed by patients within the practice to changes in wider society, the book provides a unique perspective on the evolving role of women in healthcare.

A ‘History from Below’

In a refreshing departure from traditional medical discourse, this work presents a “history from below” by amplifying voices that are not often heard in healthcare narratives. By focusing on the doctor-patient interface, the book underscores the importance of understanding the patient’s experience in shaping healthcare delivery.

The Importance of Patient Narratives

By showcasing patient narratives, this book offers a deeper understanding of healthcare delivery from the perspective of the patients themselves – the front-line users of health services. As social inequality widens in many regions, it becomes paramount to consider patient experiences and use oral history as a tool to gain broader insights into healthcare.

Order Your Copy Now

If you’re interested in gaining a unique perspective on the socio-economic challenges faced by patients and the evolution of healthcare, order your copy of this groundbreaking book today. Discover the untold stories of a Glasgow general practice and gain a deeper understanding of how healthcare has developed over the years.

ISBN: 978-1032432137