- Inducted:
- 2001
- Category:
- Honour Roll
For over 100 years the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne was run by women, outstanding amongst whom was Ella Latham, President of Committee of Management, 1933-54. She was a remarkable leader and believed a hospital needed highly talented salaried medical staff in key areas of administration, medicine, surgery and research. With Dr Vernon Collins as Medical Director, these positions were created and sessional staff were paid to work exclusively with sick children.
Ella was the only child of English migrant teachers, who were active in civic affairs in Northcote. An Arts graduate from the University of Melbourne, she married John Grieg Latham in 1907, and in the next years was busy raising three children and supporting her husband in his lecturing, legal and political life which culminated in his appointment as Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia.
Her organising skills fitted her well for the Presidencies of the Lyceum Club in 1923, and the Children's Hospital in 1933. Recognising the need for social support to families of disabled children she introduced social workers and established a University course. She saw the need for education and vocational training of children with long term illness and became founding President of the Victorian Society for Crippled Children in 1936.
Ella was a catalyst and pioneer in the establishment of modern Paediatrics in Victoria and throughout Australia.
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