Blanche L Clark

Blanche Louise Clark OBE

b. Hawera 1888                                                                          d. Masterton 1 Apr 1971

Nursing training at Wellington Hospital, graduating with honours (top marks in NZ) in 1919

Staff Nurse Wellington Hospital 1920

Midwifery training at Alexandra Home, gaining over 90% pass in the national examination 1922

Acting Assistant Matron Wellington Hospital Jan-May 1923

Plunket training 1924 in Dunedin

Sister-in-charge Nurses Home, Wellington Hospital 1924

Sister-in-charge Children’s ward 1925-1926

Relieving Assistant Matron Wellington Hospital Nov 1925

Tutor Sister Wellington Hospital Jul 1926

Wellington Hospital Board arranged for her to attend the Nursing Diploma course at Otago University in March 1927, and on return resumed role of  Tutor Sister, Wellington Hospital.

Appointed the first Matron of the Truby King Karitane Hospital, Wellington in 1927 - 1934

Returned to Wellington Hospital in 1934 to be Assistant Matron

In 1938 appointed Matron, Wellington Hospital

In 1944 she became the first Matron-in-Chief, Wellington Hospital Board (after the opening of Hutt Hospital).

Retired in 1947 to live in Masterton.