Atrip to a National Trust property, Claydon House in Buckinghamshire, proved unexpectedly pertinent recently. The house has an exhibition of the history of the life and times of legendary nurse, lobbyist and health campaigner Florence Nightingale, the sister of the lady of the manor. Nightingale was not the reason for the visit, but the laws of unintended consequences run quixotically. Of particular resonance was a letter written by Nightingale to her friend, advocate and mentor, John Delane, editor of the Times, in which she argued that tents were not the solution to providing hospitals and accommodation in harsh climates and environments.
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