History of Nursing in South Australia

Kathleen Waterhouse was born at Clare, South Australia. She also lived in other country towns where her father was stationed as a mounted policeman. In 1914 she commenced training at the Adelaide Children's Hospital. In 1917 Kathleen joined the Australian Army Nursing Service, and was posted to India until after the end of the war. Back in South Australia Kathleen's nursing experience included midwifery at the Queen's Home, district nursing and infant welfare. She also travelled to the United States and nursed there. In 1930 she was appointed Deputy Matron of the ACH, and in 1945 she became the Matron of that hospital, until her retirement in 1952. Miss Waterhouse was active in nursing affairs, and was a Foundation Fellow of the College of Nursing, Australia. She also served on the Council of the SA branch of the Australian Trained Nurses' Association.