1961 - 1988

There were big challenges for nursing administrators during this period, especially between 1971 - 1988 when a major reform of nursing education evolved.  The period saw a progressive transition from hospital-based training to polytech and university-based training of nurses.  Thus the old probationer system which had served the hospital well in terms of staffing was abolished.  

This 1964 photograph shows no less than three matrons from the period 1964-1971.  L -> R:

Mary Barry, Irene Tolerton, Miss Jeffreys, Nell Kidd, Mavis Paton, Dorothy Price, Ngaire Barrett, Betty Cook, Helen McCombie, and Mhairi MacKenzie.