Ethel Gordon Fenwick

Ethel Gordon Fenwick (née Manson; 26 January 1857 – 13 March 1947) was a pioneering British nurse who played a pivotal role in the professionalization of nursing in the United Kingdom and internationally. She is best known for her efforts to establish a national register for nurses and for being the first registered nurse in the UK. Her work significantly contributed to the development of modern nursing practices and standards.

Early Life and Education

Ethel Gordon Manson was born in Elgin, Scotland, to a well-to-do family. She moved to Nottingham, England, where she began her nursing training at the Nottingham Children's Hospital in 1878. Demonstrating a keen interest and aptitude for the profession, she quickly advanced in her career.

Career

In 1881, Fenwick became the matron of St Bartholomew's Hospital in London, one of the most prestigious positions in nursing at the time. Her tenure at St Bartholomew's was marked by significant reforms, including improvements in nurse training and patient care standards.

Fenwick's most enduring legacy is her advocacy for the statutory registration of nurses. She believed that registration was essential for the protection of the title of nurse, the profession's status, and, most importantly, patient safety. In 1887, she founded the British Nurses' Association (BNA), which later became the Royal British Nurses' Association (RBNA), with the goal of establishing a register for nurses. Despite facing considerable opposition, Fenwick's persistent efforts culminated in the passage of the Nurses Registration Act 1919, making the UK the first country in the world to recognize nursing as a profession through registration.

Personal Life

In 1887, Ethel Manson married Dr. Bedford Fenwick, a prominent physician and staunch supporter of her work. Together, they were a formidable force in the nursing and healthcare reform movements.

Legacy

Ethel Gordon Fenwick's contributions to nursing are monumental. She not only elevated the status of nursing to a recognized profession but also set standards that have influenced nursing practice globally. The International Council of Nurses (ICN), of which she was a founding member, continues to play a significant role in nursing education, standards, and policies worldwide.

Fenwick's vision for nursing education, professionalism, and regulation remains relevant today. Her life's work laid the foundation for modern nursing, emphasizing the importance of formal education, registration, and ongoing professional development.

Death

Ethel Gordon Fenwick passed away on 13 March 1947, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the nursing profession.

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