Isabel Bennett (nurse)
Isabel Catherine Bennett RRC | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1862 Birmingham |
| Died | 1932 Findon, Sussex |
| Alma mater | The London Hospital |
| Occupation(s) | Matron and Nursing Leader |
Isabel Catherine Bennett RRC (1862–1932) was matron of the Metropolitan Free Hospital for twenty-three years.[1][2][3] During the First World War she was also matron in charge of a 300 bed annexe for wounded and sick officers from Queen Alexandra's Military Hospital in Millbank, also at the Metropolitan Hospital.[4]
Early life
Bennett was born in Birmingham in early 1862,[5] and baptised Isabella 'Bella' Catherine Bennett at St John's Church, Ladywood on 19 February 1862.[6] She was the second eldest child of at least nine born to Alfred and Elizabeth Bennett.[7] Bennett's father took over the family roasting jack manufacturing business in 1865, and by 1871 employed nearly 30 people.[8] Bennett was educated with her sister Mary Louisa 'Polly', firstly at Miss Warren's School in Birmingham, and secondly at Handsworth Ladies College.[9] After she left school Bennett helped at home and in the family business, and provided first aid to injured workers.[9] Bennett's father died in 1883 when she was 21, and her mother ran the business.[9] But the company declined and Bennett started nurse training when she was 31.[10]
Nursing career
Bennett trained at The London Hospital under matron Eva Luckes between October 1893 and November 1895.[11] Immediately after finishing her training she became a holiday sister (relief), and then a ward sister, until she was recommended for the matronship of the failing Metropolitan Hospital in 1898.[12]
Bennett became matron in September 1898 and stayed in post until her retirement in 1922. Whilst she was matron, she updated the nurses training, and conditions at the hospital. During the First World War 302 beds were added to the hospital to provide care for wounded and sick officers from Queen Alexandra's Military Hospital in Millbank, London.[13]
Whilst she was matron, her sister Polly, who had founded the Steyne School in Worthing died at the hospital in October 1913.[14]
Retirement
Bennett had a serious stroke after the war and had to retire in 1922 after 23 years as matron.[15][3][1] She died on 4 September 1932 at Steyne Cottage in Findon, Sussex, and her funeral was held three days later.[15]
Honours
Bennett was awarded the Royal Red Cross in 1917.[16]
References
- ^ a b Bennett, Jeremy (2004). The Master Builders: The story of a Fenland Family. Replay Publishing. pp. 114–115.
- ^ Rogers, Sarah (2022). 'A Maker of Matrons'? A study of Eva Lückes's influence on a generation of nurse leaders:1880–1919' (Unpublished PhD thesis, University of Huddersfield, April 2022)
- ^ a b "Miss I. C. Bennett". The Nursing Times. 18 (873): 59. 21 January 1922 – via Women's Studies Archive.
- ^ "Honours". The Nursing Times. 13 (627): 546–547. 5 May 1917 – via www.rcn.org.
- ^ Bennett, Isabella Catherine, ONS Records for January Qtr 1862.
- ^ Isabella Catherine Bennett, Baptismal records for St John's Church Ladywood, 19 February 1862.
- ^ Bennett, Jeremy (2004). The Master Builders. Replay Publishing. p. 101.
- ^ Bennett, Jeremy (2004). "The Master-Builders". Replay Publishing: 103–105.
- ^ a b c Bennett, Jeremy (2004). The Master Builders. Replay Publishing. p. 113.
- ^ Isabel Catherine Bennett, Register of Probationers; RLHLH/N/1/4, 160; Barts Health NHS Trust Archives and Museums, London
- ^ Isabel Catherine Bennett, Register of Probationers; RLHLH/N/1/4, 160; Barts Health NHS Trust Archives and Museums, London
- ^ Isabel Catherine Bennett, Register of Sisters and Nurses; RLHLH/ N/4/1, 167; Barts Health NHS Trust Archives and Museums, London
- ^ "Metropolitan Hospital". Lost Hospitals of London. 11 March 2025.
- ^ Bennett, Jeremy (2004). The Master Builders. Replay Publishing. p. 118.
- ^ a b "Obituary- Miss I.C. Bennett". The Nursing Times. 28 (1428): 944. 10 September 1932 – via Women's Studies Archive.
- ^ "Honours". The Nursing Times. 13 (627): 543–544. 5 May 1917 – via www.rcn.org.uk.