How did the Second World War impact the role of women in healthcare?

The impact of the Second World War on the role of women in healthcare was significant and transformative. During the war, there was a severe shortage of male healthcare workers, as many were enlisted in military service. This led to an increased demand for women in various healthcare roles, particularly in nursing and other medical services.

Women stepped into these roles to fill gaps left by men, leading to a substantial increase in their participation in the workforce. They not only served as nurses but also took on more varied responsibilities in hospitals and medical facilities. This period saw women gaining skills and experiences that were previously inaccessible to them, which contributed to a shift in societal attitudes towards women's capabilities in professional settings, especially in healthcare.

Post-war, the expansion of women's roles laid the groundwork for their eventual acceptance into a broader range of medical professions, marking a significant change in the landscape of healthcare and women's positions within it.