Ethel L. M. Thorpe Explained

Ethel Lily May Thorpe (1908 – December 4, 2001) was a British-Canadian nurse.

Early life and education

Thorpe was born and raised in Norwich, England.[1] During World War II, she served as a nursing sister for the British army.[2]

Career

After the war, Thorpe was appointed Matron of the County Hospital at Shanghai, China.[3] She later traveled to Jamaica where she established a training program for psychiatric nurses.[4] By 1950, she was appointed Matron of Bellevue Hospital, Jamaica.[3] Thorpe also sat on the General Nursing Council of Jamaica.[5] In honour of her contributions, she was the recipient of the 1956 Order of the British Empire.[6]

In 1962, Thorpe was sent further into Jamaica by the Colonel Office to help them gain independence.[7] In 1963, Thorpe immigrated to Canada to take a position as Nursing Consultant for the Sanatorium Board of Manitoba.[1] She also served as co-ordinator for five hospitals.[7]

In 1974, she was honoured by the Canadian Tuberculosis and Respiratory Disease Association as a lifetime member.[8] A few years later, she was the recipient of the 1977 Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal[3] and was awarded the 1981 Florence Nightingale Medal by the International Committee of the Red Cross Society.[1]

Thorpe died on December 4, 2001.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: ETHEL LILY MAY THORPE R.N., M.A., M.B.E. . passages.winnipegfreepress.com . October 30, 2019 . December 4, 2001.
  2. Web site: On the job... . famouscanadianwomen.com . October 30, 2019.
  3. Web site: Ethel Lily May Thorpe (c1908-2001) . mhs.mb.ca . October 30, 2019.
  4. News: British nurse tells about training nurses in Jamaica. April 28, 1954. Winnipeg Tribune. Manitoba.
  5. News: Nursing Council. January 29, 1954. Kingston Gleaner. Kingston.
  6. News: The Queen Honours 12 Here. January 2, 1957. Kingston Gleaner. Kingston.
  7. News: Jager. Manfred. She helped Jamaicans accept independence. March 30, 1963. Winnipeg Tribune. Manitoba.
  8. News: Group to honour Thorpe. June 11, 1974. Winnipeg Free Press. Manitoba.