The Shine team found the museum well maintained and welcoming, housing interesting and informative displays. The theme is health; the exhibitions tell the story of the workings of the scientific, medical, surgical and nursing systems over the ages in Britain. The refurbishment of the museum is beautiful. Most of us remembered the dingy Victorian Street (which is still there), but the new state-of-the-art curation and display has made exhibits much more coherent, relevant and inclusive. There’s a continuous story as you move through the galleries and the exhibitions bring the story of health up to date, even including the Covid pandemic. We were particularly impressed by the artwork of stylised multicoloured coronavirus particles that seemed to guide us straight upstairs to start the tour.

For many of us, the visit brought back personal memories. Mally and Angie had worked at St James’s Hospital so the buildings held particular interest. “My first job as an Occupational Therapist was at this hospital,” says Angie. “The office was in Chancellors Wing, where we had a workshop where we made equipment to issue to patients.” The health services run in Angie’s family: “My gran ran a chemist shop so it brought back memories when I saw the shelves and drawers of an old chemist shop,” Angie recalls.

The history of medicine has changed hugely over the years and the displays in the museum reflect this. Some of our highlights were: the Invalid Carriage from 1890; Polly Esther doll that shows different body parts; and the 1954 “Pedoscope”. “I remember regularly trying it out in Clark’s shoe shops, “ says Angie. “I thought this was an interesting toy which showed you your toes in your shoes. I now realize I was overdosing on radioactive waves!” Another highlight was the display of medicinal bottles, jugs and containers. Quite fascinating to learn about old fashioned apothecaries and how each remedy had different purposes.

The assistants and guides were friendly and helpful. We listened to a clear description of the history and purpose of the Iron Lung by Lynn, a well-versed guide. This was of interest to those of us who remember their use during the polio epidemics of the 1950s before the vaccine was invented. Most displays were clearly labelled – but some of captions are low down on the wall near the case and printed in small font. There are plenty of places to sit and you can use the museums stools that are designed to carry around. Be aware that these aren’t particularly sturdy though. The shop was well-stocked, light and airy, encouraging visitors to purchase gifts, book and toys. The cafe, although not large, was adequate for the few visitors that day and we enjoyed a sit-down and a coffee.

To take full advantage of your visit you would need at least two hours and go round the two floors systematically. We left the museum feeling that we had seen and absorbed a fraction of what was on offer. Most of us vowed to return, possibly with grandchildren. We were pleased that the entrance ticket means you can come back again and again for a year, without paying extra. there is plenty of interest to all ages, particularly for older people to reminisce about their experiences of health and medicine in the last century.