Val Brown's most recent work presents a timely and masterful account of the "Women's Hospitals in Brighton and Hove". The existence of these now dismantled hospitals was a tribute not only to the female medical staff but also to the constant effort and dedication of the army of female helpers.

Despite the fact that these hospitals were established by generous private donation and continuing community support, the properties were eventually taken over by the regional NHS and used as a productive cash cow by the sale of the buildings and properties.

The paperback is well presented with many interesting archival photographs as well as a useful index. The appendices include many background documents as well as reprinted newspaper articles from the past. The sensible use of Garamond type encourages easy reading.

Much of the material is inherently "dry", however, Val Brown's cogent and resonant prose presents the facts and nuances with clarity and poise.

The eventual inevitable separation of the two hospitals was initially managed in a civilized and co-operative spirit but as the need to compete for funds increased there was the inevitable arrival of a degree of internecine strife between the two establishments , their philosophies and their perceived goals. The history of this period in the hospitals development is told in a stirring and exciting way that pulls the reader along - wanting to hear how the challenges from both camps were met and countered. It makes for a rousing account of what must have been a long and at times painful struggle before the two hospitals settled into their appointed roles.

These Hospitals were founded, "officered" and maintained by women long before the modern catch cry of "feminism" had ever been invented. It is both paradoxical and sad to realize that these same buildings have gone "for the greater good" in an age when the rights of women and equality of the sexes is considered to be an inalienable right rather than a hard fought for privilege.