Interview with David Robinson Cairns

Outlines progress from father's general practice in Belfast via City of London maternity Hospital to obstetrician at Lewisham Hospital during Second World War blitz. States pay through this period. Recalls Leicester General Hospital (LGH) operating theatres as 'pretty ropey', outlines how gynaecological ward started. Mentions LGH first in Leicester to use cervical smears, training midwives, working nights, little changing with advent of National Health Service. Talks about how consultants' hospital sessions divided into 'elevenths'. Mentions epidemic of enteritis, cockroaches, birds flying into ward, talking jackdaw. Talks about performing abortions, dealing with backstreet abortions, Sister Tite starting neo-natal department. Describes weekly routine