Edith Greaves
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Edith Elizabeth Greaves | |
|---|---|
| Born | 2 November 1879 Martley, Worcestershire |
| Died | 1967 (aged 87–88) |
| Alma mater | The London Hospital |
| Occupations | Midwife and midwifery leader |
Edith Elizabeth Greaves, MBE, OBE, was a nurse, midwife, midwifery leader and matron of City of London Maternity Hospital from 1912 to 1944.[1][2][3][4][5] She was appointed by the Ministry of Health to the Central Midwives' Board, and was a member of the Council of the College of Midwives.[6][7][8]
Greaves was born in 1879 in Worcester to Walter, a farmer, and his wife Elizabeth. Edith was the oldest of at least five daughters. By the time she was 21 her father had died, and she was working as a hospital clerk.[9] Greaves worked as assistant secretary at Birmingham Children's Hospital for over three years before she started nurse training.[10]
Career
Greaves trained as a nurse at The London Hospital under Matron Eva Luckes between 1902 and 1906.[11]
Following completion of her training, she trained as a midwife at The London, and worked as a staff nurse, midwifery sister and nurse's home sister. Greaves applied for the matronship of Birmingham Infirmary, but Lückes 'had already recommended a candidate who had far more experience in general management than Edith Greaves'.[12]
In 1912, Greaves was appointed as matron of the City of London Maternity Hospital. She held the post for at least 32 years.[2] The hospital was hit during air raids during World War Two, and Greaves helped supervise its relocation to Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire.[13]
She was a member of the Council for the College of Midwives, and the Central Midwives Board.[1][3]