Английская Википедия:Dorothy Louise Thomas

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Dorothy Louise Thomas GC (11 August 1905 – 22 November 1989) was a British nurse awarded the Empire Gallantry Medal (EGM) for her actions preventing a major incident at the Middlesex Hospital in January 1934.

Early life

Born in London but raised in Dovercourt, Essex Thomas trained as a nurse at Dovercourt and the Chelsea Hospital for Women before completing her training at the Middlesex Hospital. Thomas remained at the Middlesex after training and became a staff nurse in the operating theatre. By 1929 she had been promoted to Theatre sister, a post she held until 1938.Шаблон:Sfnp

Empire Gallantry Medal

On 26 January 1934, work commenced as normal and just prior to the first operation of the day the porter was preparing the oxygen cylinders in the anaesthetic room when an explosion occurred and the oxygen from the cylinder ignited sending flames up to Шаблон:Convert into the main operating theatre. The theatre was immediately evacuated due to the risk of the cylinder exploding but Thomas remained behind and went into the anaesthetic room to remove the bottle of ether stored there. She then attempted to close the valve on the oxygen cylinder and found it would close so she did so thus preventing any explosion.Шаблон:Sfnp

Later investigation concluded that the likely cause of the explosion was piece of grit in the valve which as the porter tightened the valve caused a spark.Шаблон:Sfnp

Despite what could have been a disaster, normal working was resumed within minutes of Sister Thomas's actions. The hospital board met on 31 January where the incident was discussed. The minutes of the meeting recorded: Шаблон:Quote

The recommendation was duly made and on 2 March 1934 notice was published in London Gazette on the immediate award of the Empire Gallantry Medal to Sister Thomas.[1] Rather than attend an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace Thomas was presented with the medal by King George V during an official visit to the Middlesex Hospital at the end of March.Шаблон:Sfnp

Later career

Файл:Sister Dorothy Louise Thomas GC 1905-1989 nursing sister awarded the George Cross for her brave actions following a main theatre explosion at the Middlesex Hospital on 26 Janua.jpg
Plaque on John Astor House, Middlesex Hospital, 3 Foley Street, W1

In 1938 Sister Thomas took over responsibility for two wards but later returned to operating theatre work as Theatre Superintendent responsible for the management of all the theatres at the Middlesex Hospital as well as the nearby Soho Hospital for Women.

The Empire Gallantry Medal was superseded by the George Cross and holders of the EGM exchanged their medals for the new George Cross. In February 1942 she attended Buckingham Palace to be awarded the George Cross by King George VI.Шаблон:Sfnp

After retirement Thomas retired to Chelmsford where she died in 1989 aged 84.

Sister Thomas is commemorated by a blue plaque at John Astor House in London.[2]

References

Notes

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Sources

External links

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