Margaret Graham

Margaret Graham RRC (15 February 1860 – 4 July 1942) was a nurse at the centre of a dispute dubbed the "Adelaide Hospital Row" at the (later Royal) Adelaide Hospital in 1894. She overcame this dubious distinction to become the highly regarded Matron of the hospital, then one of the first Australian nursing Matrons to serve at the front during World . History Graham was born in Carlisle, Cumberland, daughter of Margaret Graham, née Farrer and her husband house painter John Graham. Nothing further is known of her early life until she emigrated to South Australia in 1886 aboard the steam ship Austral, and on 2 April 1891 enrolled as a probationary nurse at the Adelaide Hospital. In March 1894 she was appointed acting charge nurse in charge of Adelaide ward, and on 19 November was recommended by the hospital board for appointment as night charge nurse. This recommendation was not implemented. Adelaide Hospital in the last decade of the 19th century was a dysfunctional workplace, beset with factional jealousies and professional rivalries, exacerbated by opponents of the Government, who saw political benefit in keeping the hospital an "open sore". Graham became embroiled in controversy when nurse Gordon (1861–1940), a sister of the Chief Secretary (later Sir) John Gordon, was promoted to Superintendent of Night Nurses, the second highest nursing rank. Many nurses thought the position should have gone to the more senior charge nurse Louise Hawkins, and that this was a case of favoritism. Six nurses, Graham among them, sent a petition to Premier Kingston requesting an independent enquiry. A committee of twelve, including Drs. Way (who was instrumental in her promotion), Stirling and Giles, and Sir John Colton, met to consider the Premier's request for a review of the appointment. This they endorsed on the grounds that Miss Gordon's selection was on her leadership potential, not her nursing ability (an analogy with officers and "men" was made). Further, they regarded the letter as insulting and impertinent, and recommended suspension of the signatories. Under pressure, five of the nurses withdrew their support for Hawkins, but Graham refused to retract and was urged by her superior, Matron McLeod, to resign, and Dr. Way suggested she take a position at the Port Adelaide Hospital.