Glass syringes

Glass syringes and stainless steel needles were the standard supply.

Nursing staff were responsible for the maintenance, cleaning and sterilizing of these items. As the needles were re-usable, prior to cleaning and sterilising, thin guide wires would have to be introduced through the needle to ensure patency. The needles were also checked to ensure that there were no ‘snags’ and nurses would test for this using a piece of gauze.

If a nurse dropped and broke a glass syringe, they were responsible for paying for the replacement cost.