Edith P Tennent

Edith Penelope Tennent MBE

b. Timaru 25 Jul 1882                                                          d. Lower Hutt 7 Jun 1946

Educated at Miss Hall’s Private School in Timaru until 1902

Began nursing at Wellington Hospital in 1915

Graduated Jan 1919. Awarded highest marks in NZ

Promoted to Sister October 1919

Assistant Matron Wellington Hospital 1921 – 1925

In May 1922 granted six months leave to undertake midwifery training at Alexandra Home                                                  (passed equal-first in NZ)                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                                                                                                 aged 14                                                                                                                                   

Matron Dunedin Hospital 1925 – 1937

Encouraged her nursing staff to undertake postgraduate studies in specialized fields and to enroll in university courses.

Involved in the revision of the syllabus for nurse training.

Member of the Dominion Executive of the Registered Nurses Association 1937 – 1942

During WW2 appointed Commander-in-Chief of the NZ Red Cross Voluntary Aids.

Resigned in 1942 because of poor health.