A doctor turned author has published her debut novel based on real-life experiences while working at Southampton's Royal South Hants hospital in the 80s.

Mira Harrison's One in Three is a fictional coming of age tale which explores the NHS, the pressures of being a junior doctor, and women in the industry and outside.

It tells the story of James Hartman, a young doctor struggling with the demands of the job. Set in 1989 against the backdrop of the unfolding AIDS epidemic, James is continually confronted by tragedy, pain, and death… During his early weeks, James realises he inadvertently caused a patient’s death and attempts to conceal his mistake. Exhausted and unable to cope, he seeks solace in the red light district in nearby Derby Road. 

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Amidst the chaos, he meets Ainslie, a trainee surgeon from New Zealand. But, shadows from his past resurface and threaten his newfound happiness. 

Mira explained: “The idea for came to me over 30 years ago during my first weekend on call on the wards of the Royal South Hants.

"I was 23 when I qualified, and the 14 cardiac arrests during that first weekend were a complete shock. For years afterwards, I carried the character of Dr James Hartman in my head, until I finally began writing this novel in 2019. While the story is entirely fictional, the hospital settings are real. I have tried to show the perspective of a young doctor struggling to cope with the stresses of working in the NHS at this time.

I later trained in a surgical speciality (obstetrics and gynaecology) and have used my experience as a woman working in this field to create the character of Ainslie Campbell, who James falls in love with.

"The other woman in this novel may also challenge the accepted view of sex workers. James' relationship with Jenny begins with the services she sells, but he becomes involved with her on a deeper level. Ultimately, he has to choose between two women, which I found an interesting theme to write about."

Mira has previously published two medical textbooks and two collections of stories about women working in public hospitals. She studied at Southampton University and pursued a career in obstetrics and gynaecology in England and New Zealand.