Batten , Elizabeth , 1884-1984 , nurse

Born, 1884; apprenticed in a drapery business. Her father thought of setting her up in business on her own account, but although she completed her apprenticeship, she decided this was not what she wanted, 1902-1905; at a convent in Brittany, learning French and needlework, 1905-1906; started nursing in a small hospital in Kentish Town, 1906; trained as a nurse at Royal Free Hospital, 1907-1911; midwifery course for 3 months at University College Hospital. Awarded CMB March. Worked nights on the district in a very poor area, and in the wards by day, 1912; went as night sister to Chest Hospital, Victoria 1912 Road East, and was put on day duty 6 months later in a men's ward with 43 patients. 20 were TB patients and spent half the day in the grounds, supervised by a retired army sergeant, 1912; asked by Matron at Royal Free Hospital to assist with preparation of newly-built out-patient department for the reception of wounded officers. A number of simple rooms intended for medical students and nursing staff were reserved for senior officers. Altogether there was accommodation for 150 offices, 1914; offered post of Sister-in-charge of Marlborough Maternity Section, RFH, 1919; Ward opened Jan 1920; in charge at Endsleigh Street extension (maternity), Apr 1921-Dec 1924; opened a small nursing home with a friend, Miss Little. 82 Adelaide Road, Swiss Cottage, 1925-1932; private nursing, 1932-1936; kept house for her brother Jack and two small children in India, Jan-Oct 1937; private nursing in Brighton, 1937-1938; nursing sister at King's College of Household and Social Science, Notting Hill Gate (now Queen Elizabeth College), Apr 1938- Feb 1939; sick leave. Patient at Royal Free Hospital, Feb 1939; working at a nursing home at Hawkhurst, Dec 1939; King's College having been evacuated to Wales, she was asked to return, and was first at College Hall, Llannishen, Cardiff. Later the College moved to Leicester, and she ran two hostels, Knighton Hayes, and Crowbank 31 Chapel Lane, 1940-1941; her brother and his family returned from India in 1948 and she thereafter kept house for them till she was in her 80's; died, 1984.