Maternity hospital in the city of Natal in Rio Grande do Norte as a military hospital between 1941-1950: a qualitative study

Abstract

Objective to analyze the circumstances in which the Maternidade de Natal functioned as a military hospital (1941-1950). Method a qualitative, social history study, elaborated with documentary and bibliographical sources. Data were organized and analyzed according to thematic content analysis. Results the Maternidade de Natal operation required commitment, coordination and strategies from the Hospital Assistance Society regarding financial difficulties, transfer of the building to the Ministry of War, during World War II, and finally, the return and its inauguration. This context transformed the daily life of Natal and, thus, the military hospital cooperated with the course for nurses at the military hospital, creation of the Red Cross – Rio Grande do Norte branch –, volunteer course for boys, internship for official Army Reserve physicians and creation of the study center. Conclusion and implications for practice the study contributes to the understanding of care for women and the history of Rio Grande do Norte. From the idealization of the Maternity de Natal to the present day, it was possible to observe the evolution of its profile, initially providing assistance, and today it is a reference center for women’s and children’s health, education and professional training in health.