Name Muriel Powell | ||
Dame Muriel Betty Powell, DBE (1914–1978), was a British nurse, hospital matron, public servant and, briefly, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for the Scottish Home and Health Department (SHHD)
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Background
In 1947, aged 32, Powell became matron at St George's Hospital. Her age reportedly "raised eyeborws" among the medical establishment, which deemed her too young for the position, but she proved her critics wrong and would remain there for more than two decades (22 years). Powell was part of the government committee that recommended removal of the title "matron" from the National Health Service in 1968. The title has since been gradually reintroduced to the NHS lexicon.
DBE
Muriel Powell was knighted in 1968 for her services to nursing, including her tenure as matron of St George's Hospital, London.
Legacy
The St George's Nurses League presents the Dame Muriel Powell Award to those who have made important contributions in the field of nursing.