• Entry type: Person
  • Entry ID: IMP0098

Bell, Jane

  • OBE
(1873 – 1959)
  • Born 16 March 1873, Dumfriesshire, , Scotland
  • Died 6 August 1959, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
  • Occupation Hospital Matron, Nurse

Summary

Jane Bell was lady superintendent of Melbourne Hospital 1910-1934. She was responsible for many innovations, including replacement of male orderlies by sisters in the operating theatres; the appointment of tutor-sisters to instruct trainees and of a house-sister to supervise the nurses’ quarters; the introduction of a six-week preliminary course; and pay for trainee-nurses. She was appointed OBE – Officer of The Order of the British Empire (Civil) – 1 January 1944 for her work as president of the Royal Victoria College of Nursing.

Events

  • 2013

    Inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women

Archival resources

  • National Archives of Australia, National Office, Canberra
    • Bell Jane : SERN P/MATRON : POB N/A : POE Melbourne VIC : NOK S Steindl J M

Published resources

Related entries


  • Related Organisations
    • Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) (1902 - 1948)
    • The Royal Australian Nursing Federation
    • Queen Victoria Women's Centre (1994 - )
  • Founded
    • Australasian Trained Nurses' Association (1899 - )
  • Foundation Member
    • Australasian Trained Nurses' Association (1899 - )