Background
She was born on the Blossom Hall Estate at Kirton Skeldyke in Holland, Lincolnshire, the daughter of a tenant farmer.
She was born on the Blossom Hall Estate at Kirton Skeldyke in Holland, Lincolnshire, the daughter of a tenant farmer.
Previously, she had been Matron of Guy"s Hospital (1901-1909), then retired, but in the First World War she returned to this position for the British Red Cross Society and the Order of Street John of Jerusalem in England. With help from the Honorary Arthur Stanley (Chairman of the War Committee) she set up the College of Nursing.
A letter was sent out to all the training hospitals outlining the idea pointing out that although there was disagreement on issues relating to registration there was a need to coordinated nursing and all trained nurses should unite in one democratic organisation with the power in the hands of the membership.
By 1918 there were 13,000 Members. They elected the first council and set up Centres (later to be called Branches).
The College of Nursing later became the (RCN) modelled on the Royal College of Physicians and surgeons. On 27 March 1916 the College of Nursing was registered.
lieutenant became the in 1947.
A ward at Street Thomas Hospital is named after her.