Edinburgh Napier University

  Aim: to investigate accounts of nurses/healers and midwives accused/persecuted as 'witches'.

Methods:
Documentary analysis of the Survey of Scottish Witchcraft online database of those 'witches' categorised as being early nurses/healers and midwives. Descriptive analysis of their demographic data including gender, social position, trial outcome. Thematic analysis of individual accounts including who these witches helped and how.

Outcomes:
Better understanding of an under-researched area in the history of early nursing and midwifery

Identification of any 'witches' practise(s) that resonate with professional nursing or midwifery practice today.

Delivery of an inter-professional online learning event.

In the international year of the nurse and midwife findings from this small study will be used to support the campaign for posthumous pardon for Scotland's witches led by Claire Mitchell QC as this study highlights the stories of early nurses and midwives persecuted and tortured for helping others.