Laura Rhodes

Born 1871, died unknown
Nurse at Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse, 1896
Researched by Nicola Sheard

The earliest known record of Laura Rhodes working as a Nurse was at the Fever Hospital, Linacre Lane, Bootle, Merseyside. She worked here for a year commencing in January 1892. Laura’s next known appointment was as a First Assistant Nurse at The Fountain Hospital, Tooting, Surrey from October 1893 until October 1894. This hospital was built hastily in 1893 after a resurgence of Scarlet Fever and was comprised of temporary wooden huts.

On 6th October 1894, The Thanet Advertiser reported that The Guardians of the Isle of Thanet Union Workhouse had received twelve applications for the position of assistant Nurse in the male infirmary. Laura Rhodes, Tooting, was among five who had been asked to attend the next meeting of the board. On 13th October 1894, The Thanet Advertiser reported that The Guardians of the Isle of Thanet Union Workhouse had interviewed Miss Laura Rhodes and Miss Edith Hutchings for the position of assistant Nurse in the male infirmary. Laura was unsuccessful as it was agreed unanimously to appoint Edith.

In November 1895 Laura was engaged as a Nurse for three months at the City Hospital, Winter Street, Sheffield. This hospital was built in 1881 to house patients with infectious diseases (other than smallpox and tuberculosis).

Laura was then appointed as a night Nurse at the Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse, Gressenhall on 23rd March 1896, she commenced her duties on 28th March. The position had become available following the internal promotion of Mary Wallin to Head Nurse. Laura’s appointment form also recorded that she was 25 years old and had lived in Huddersfield prior to this appointment. Laura received a salary of £25 per annum and board, washing and lodging at the workhouse.

In the section relating to references from previous employment it stated “The Guardians have seen testimonials from the Matron of Bootle Hospital, the Medical Superintendent and the Matron of Tooting Hospital and the Medical Superintendent of Sheffield City Hospital, from which they are satisfied that she is competent to perform her duties efficiently”.

By the time that The Local Government Board wrote to Walter Barton on 3rd July 1896 to approve the appointment of Laura, she had already handed in her notice. The staff register recorded that Laura Rhodes resigned from her post in May 1896 with no cause stated.

It has not been possible to trace Laura prior 1892 or after she left Gressenhall Workhouse in 1896. It is not known where she was born and there are several Laura Rhodes who meet the birth year criteria. Furthermore, Laura Rhodes worked in different hospitals across England, so it is difficult to narrow down an area where she may have lived. There are no census records at the relevant times that mention Laura Rhodes with the occupation of Nurse.