The ward deck of the Atlas hospital ship.

Repro ID: H4160

Description: Patients and nurses on board the 'Atlas', the Metropolitan Asylums Board's floating hospital ship in Long Reach. Life on board the 'Atlas' was tough for the nurses. It was difficult enough caring for seriously ill smallpox patients. The nurses had to put up with cramped conditions in fromer warships obviously not built for comfort. In addition, they were not particularly welcome on shore, where the fear of smallpox was considerable. It is surprising that so many nurses stayed with the MAB for so long.

Creator: Unknown

Date: 1901

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London