Kate Marsden

Kate Marsden

b. Edmonton, Middlesex 13 May 1859                                     d. Hillingdon, Middlesex 1931

Began nurse probationer training at the Tottenham Hospital at age 17

One year later a group of nurses from the hospital were sent to Bulgaria to tend to Russian soldiers injured in the war with Turkey.

Resumed nursing training at the Westminster Hospital, London. Later appointed as Assistant Superintendent at the Liverpool Convalescent Home where she remained for four years. Resigned because of ill-health.

Travelled to New Zealand with her mother seeking better health, arriving in Wellington on 4 January 1885.

Appointed Lady Superintendent, Wellington Hospital April 1885.

She became concerned with the behaviour of the Resident Surgeon, Dr Maurice Chilton who she said was drunk on duty on one occasion. Dr Chilton was dismissed despite protests from other staff – both nurses and others. An inquiry was held resulting in confirmation of the doctor’s dismissal and a decision to dismiss all of those who had protested!

In mid-September 1885, Kate fell off a stepladder at work resulting in severe back injuries. She was confined to bed for several months and by December it was clear that she would not be able to return to duty.

A more detailed account of Kate can be viewed here