The Reconstruction of Nursing Service in Hong Kong after WWII

The reconstruction of nursing services in Hong Kong after WWII illustrated the development of the medical system under the government administrative policy. Due to the destruction of medical facilities during the war period, the colonial government made a great effort to rebuild the medical and nursing services. To reconstruct and maintain the manpower of the nursing team in Hong Kong, Chinese nurses who served at government hospitals had the chance to be promoted to senior ranks previously reserved only for European nurses. Additionally, special allowances were provided to nurses who served at government-subsidized hospitals. The Board of Nurses also recognized the qualifications of war-trained nurses. However, as the demand for medical care services suddenly increased due to the influx of refugees, government-subsidized hospitals expanded their nursing schools to train more professional nurses under government advocacy. Hence, the nursing profession became a promising career option for Chinese women, bringing positive impacts to the rise of women’s status in Hong Kong. Subsequently, the advancement of medical technology fostered the necessity of specializing nursing services, providing an opportunity to mobilize the nursing profession. This paper, through the study of oral history, archival documents, and memories, examines how the government reconstructed the nursing services of Hong Kong during the postwar period, consequently enhancing the government’s influence on medical issues as well as improving the status of women in Hong Kong.