Patricia Mackinnon

Background

Mackinnon was born in Brisbane, Queensland as the daughter of Ernest Thomas and Pauline Eva (née Taylor) Bell.

Career

She served in several offices before being elected vice-president from 1957–1965 and president 1965–1979, succeeding Dame Elisabeth Murdoch. In 1968 she began as chairman of the RCH Research Foundation, a position she held until 1986 and, from 1951–1965, served as president of the Auxiliaries. She was also a federal and state councillor of the Australian Hospitals Association for many years.

Her mother-in-law, Mistress

Hilda Mackinnon, was elected president of the committee of management from 1923–1933. The Mackinnon School of Nursing is named in their honour.

Dame Patricia Mackinnon died on 17 May 2009 at the age of 97.

Achievements

• Patricia Mackinnon was created a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1972 and a Dame Commander of the order (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1977, in recognition of distinguished service to the community in hospital administration.

Membership

In 1948 Patricia Mackinnon became a member of the committee of management for the Royal Children"s Hospital (RCH), Melbourne.