VPRS 19296 Diary of Nursing Student Betty Constance Lawson

This series comprises the diary of Betty Constance Lawson, a nursing student at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) (VA 1048). Betty Lawson trained as a nurse at the Royal Melbourne Hospital from April 1934 to May 1937, and then worked as a Sister at the hospital until June 1948. Lawson went on to become Matron of the Royal Women’s Hospital (VA 1241), Melbourne and was awarded an MBE in 1978. This diary written during her nurse training at the RMH includes descriptions of Lawson’s personal life, nursing training, and activities. Also included is a description of Jane Bell’s farewell. Jane Bell was RMH Lady Superintendent from 1910-34 and a significant figure in the history of Australian nursing. This diary was donated to the archives of the Royal Melbourne Hospital by the family of Betty Lawson. Prior to transfer to Public Record Office Victoria, the records in this series were maintained as part of the Royal Melbourne Hospital Archives.