Woman of the Week, Miss Elizabeth Moore, M.B.E., Evening Telegram, 1948, January 3, p.8
Miss Moore, who is the genial Matron of the Merchant Navy Hospital was awarded the M.B.E. this New Year by His Excellency the Governor in recognition of twenty years of faithful service in the Nursing Profession.
Miss Moore’s policy for patients at the Merchant Navy Hospital is to make them as comfortable and happy as possible, and it is a fact that some of the seamen and servicemen get so used to the friendly atmosphere and pleasant surroundings that they hate to leave.
During the war, since the inception of the Merchant Navy Hospital, which was first started in the Memorial Hospital in 1941 Miss Moore has been responsible for the well-being of thousands of seamen, servicemen and casualties of war were brought into this port, and who owed their very lives to the careful nursing and attention given them by the nurses of this Institution under the supervision of Miss Moore.
At this present time, the Merchant Navy Hospital radiates cheerfulness and Merry Christmas to all. Everywhere are bright decorations and merrily the Christmas lights twinkle on the Christmas trees which adorn the wards, and which help to make life brighter for the patients who are spending their Christmas in Hospital. This Hospital is really more like a home away from home for these men, as apart from strictly enforcing necessary Hospital regulations, there is an air of informality about the place which is lacking in other hospitals. There is a special playroom for convalescent patients where they can play the piano, play games, or just relax and read, if so inclined.
The Merchant Navy Hospital can accommodate seventy patients, and though small, is very compact, modern and well-equipped with all the very latest hospital apparatus. All kinds of major and minor operations are performed there, and practically every day the nurses are kept busy looking after sick seamen who may be rushed in at any time from ships which arrive in port. Sometimes these men are unable to speak a word of English, but the language of kindliness is international, so that they understand that their ills will be treated and a helping hand extended by the nurses under Miss Moore’s supervision.
Miss Moore said it is sometimes amusing trying to understand foreigners, but usually they get along fine with the staff.
Last Monday, the Red Cross, under the direction of Miss Holmes, gave the patients a party, in which candy and cigarettes were distributed and which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The GW VA also visit with the patients every Sunday, and distribute cigarettes and candy.
Miss Moore refuses to receive any credit for the splendid job she is doing, and shuns publicity for herself, but she really works wholeheartedly to make the Merchant Navy Hospital a haven of refuge to sick sailors and soldiers, and this is a task which is both worthwhile and deserving of the very highest praise.