Ellen Dougherty

Ellen Dougherty  - the first state registered nurse in the world  

In 1893 when Palmerston North Hospital was opened Ellen Dougherty was appointed matron.  The hospital then had four wards: a women’s ward with five beds, a men’s ward with 17 beds and two smaller one or two bed wards.  This complex was looked after by Matron Dougherty, two part-time doctors, two nurses, a porter, a housemaid and a cook.  As well as overseeing the running of the hospital Ellen, a qualified pharmacist, also took charge of all the dispensing of medicine.       

Ellen had begun her nursing career at Wellington Hospital in 1885 and was acting matron there when she accepted the appointment in Palmerston North.  She was an inspirational woman - highly regarded in her profession, not only respected, but also well liked by her staff, and held in high regard by her patients. In 1901 when New Zealand became the first country to introduce compulsory state registration for nurses Ellen Dougherty’s was the first nurse in New Zealand to receive her medal– making her the first state registered nurse in the world.  Her nursing medal is still held today at Wellington Hospital.  She is also thought to have been the first New Zealand woman to qualify as a pharmacist.   

Ellen Dougherty retired in 1908 and moved to Carterton to live with her sister.  She died there on November 3, 1919 and is buried in the Clareville Cemetery.   Read more about Ellen Dougherty’s life story at  www.dnzb.govt.nz

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