Matron Annie Blanche Jackson 1907-1908
History
The First Matrons
Matron Annie Blanche Jackson 1907-1908
Matron Jackson was the Hospital’s first matron and is first seen here at the opening ceremony sitting on the front row right.
Her picture on the main corridor shows her to be a young woman but she will have had extensive experience before taking up her post.
Her uniform has ribbons suggesting this may have been in military nursing,possibly in the Army Nursing Service formed in 1881 or the QAIMNS ( Queen Alexandra Imperial
Nursing Service)formed in 1902.
Matron Annie Proctor 1909 – 1947
Matron Annie Proctor 1909 – 1947
Miss Annie Proctor took up her post in 1909.
In 1915, she volunteered to serve as a nurse during the First World War, departing for France to support the war effort. Given her extensive experience, it is likely that she held a senior position at a Casualty Clearing Station on the Western Front. Later, she was transferred to Egypt, where she continued her service. It wasn’t until 1919 that she returned from the war and resumed her role as matron at the Cottage Hospital, a position she held until her retirement in 1947. She passed away in 1960, and her portrait now hangs in the main corridor of the hospital, honoring her legacy.
She has been described as “A strict disciplinarian, commanding immense respect, not least for her innate kindness and devotion to duty” ( ref “Ninety Years Young” Constance Radcliffe 1996, Nelson Press ) “Fearless,independent,full of common sense,very intelligent and a great reader “ ( Obituary , Ramsey Courier 1960).