Our Staff Stories

Pam began her nurse training at Mildmay Mission Hospital in 1955, walking in from sparse lodgings around Shoreditch and Hoxton for early starts on the wards. She remembers the distinctive grey cape with its purple lining, the daily rhythm of prayers and Quiet Time, and the deep respect Mildmay nurses enjoyed in the local community.

Leo volunteered with us for eighteen months. He supported patients, helped on the wards, assisted with administration, and served at times as a chaplain. When he left, he wrote about what he had seen and gave us permission to share it.

A dramatic wartime locum's story: a medical library dash, and a trial by fire in the Blitz-damaged East End.

I am Pauline and I am one of the volunteer chaplains at Mildmay

I recall my earliest association with Mildmay Mission Hospital when I was visiting my friends who were being cared for here because they had contracted HIV/AIDS.

My memories of Mildmay go back over 70 years to when, as a child, I went up in St John's Church Hall to receive my Sunday School prize.

What I have come to realise is that the work Mildmay does is second to nothing

I worked with Dr Veronica Moss & Ruth Sims from 1992 to 2002.

I worked at Mildmay when it first re-opened in 1985.

My mother, Mrs Ellen Hall (nee Grace) trained as a nurse at the Mildmay a century ago, from 1920-24. One nursing colleague with whom she trained at Mildmay was Molly Coleman (her married name) with whom she remained close friends for many years.

"I have wonderful memories of my time at Mildmay Mission Hospital in the late '70s."

Extracts from Norah's memoir, written later in life, reveal a determined young woman drawn to missionary work. Initially facing resistance from her family, she found a compromise – training as a nurse at Mildmay.

Our 'honorary aunt', Fanny Louise Legg, was a cook at Mildmay for many years.

I worked as a senior manager at Mildmay between 1992–1998. At this time, there was no treatment, and many died of AIDS.

Ethel Mary Edge was a Matron’s Maid and kitchen assistant from 1952 until her passing in 1970.

Enjoying a few days in London so myself and my partner decided to take a trip down memory lane…

"It was a wonderful training for me in more ways than nursing - I was a hippy converted to Jesus with very few practical or people skills. They were important formative years both as a Christian and young woman..."

In August 2023 we received a lovely letter from Christine telling us about her aunt and uncle and their experiences at Mildmay. Maud was a nurse at Mildmay in 1921, but there is so much more...

Dear Mildmay, I recently came across your website and was particularly interested in the archive section, as my mother (Joan Plant, nee Conway, 1929-2008) worked there as a nurse 1949-52.

My mother, May Williams, completed a one-year midwifery course at Mildmay Mission Hospital in the late 1920s.