Bid to trace kin of pioneering children's nurse

Birmingham Children's Hospital has launched an appeal to trace the relatives of the UK's first registered children's nurse ahead of a national celebration of the profession.

Hospital staff said they were keen to hear from relatives of Evelyn Margaret Hughes, who trained at Birmingham Children's Hospital between 1909 and 1912.

Hughes is recognised as a pioneer of paediatric nursing.

Heather Petts, associate director of nursing at Birmingham Children's Hospital, said: "She's number one on the registered children's nurse register, she's really special, and we're desperate to find [out more]."

The appeal was made as the hospital prepared to mark the first National Children's Nurses Day on 30 June.

"The Association of British Pediatric Nurses, who've launched the day, are really keen to make this a big event here at the Children's Hospital," Petts said.

Despite research efforts, Petts said little was known about Hughes' life beyond her training in Birmingham and the fact she was born in Warwickshire.

A social media appeal has already been launched, but staff said they were still searching for photographs, family records or any information that could help tell Hughes' story.

"We'd really like somebody or a relative who maybe has photographs that they can share, or anything that they know about Evelyn, to help us with our celebrations, to honour her absolutely fantastic legacy," Petts said.

"We would love to hear from anyone who may be related to Evelyn Margaret Hughes or who has information about her life and career."

Anyone with information about Hughes was asked to contact Birmingham Children's Hospital.

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