Angela Russell (doctor) facts for kids

Dr. Angela Russell was an important Irish doctor and social reformer. She was born on November 15, 1893, and passed away on March 2, 1991. She worked hard to improve the health and lives of women and children in Ireland.

Growing Up and Family Life

Angela Gertrude Coyne was born in Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland. This was on November 15, 1893. Her father, James Aloysius, was a school inspector. Her mother was Kathleen Mary Coyne.

Angela was one of nine children. She had three sisters and six brothers. She went to school at the Ursuline convent in Waterford. Later, she studied at Loreto College, St Stephen's Green in Dublin.

In 1915, Angela started studying medicine. She went to University College Dublin. She earned her medical degree in 1921. Later, in 1928, she completed a special diploma. This was in Public Health.

Angela met Matthew Russell while studying. He was a teacher on her course. They got married in Dublin on July 31, 1924. They had three children together. Their daughter, Joan, sadly passed away when she was in her twenties. A poet named Patrick Kavanagh wrote a poem about her. Their two sons, John and Matthew, grew up to have important careers.

Angela became a widow in 1956. She passed away at her home in Dublin on March 2, 1991.

Her Work as a Doctor and Reformer

Dr. Angela Russell chose not to work in a private medical office. Instead, she became a leading member of many groups. These groups worked to improve society, especially for women. She was active from the 1930s to the 1960s.

She joined groups like the National Council of Women of Ireland. She also worked with the Women's National Health Association. Angela helped the Irish branches of Save the Children and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

Angela was a joint secretary for the Joint Committee of Women's Societies and Social Workers (JCWSSW). This committee wrote a report in 1931. It suggested ways to help women and children. However, the government did not act on the report right away.

In 1935, Angela was part of a group that met with the Minister for Justice. They protested that the government had not used their report. Members of her committee also went to court. They watched cases involving women and children. They also visited special homes for young people. They wanted to suggest improvements.

Angela often spoke on the radio and in newspapers. She talked about health issues. Her brother-in-law, John MacDonagh, worked at Radio Éireann. He might have encouraged her to speak out.

Helping Children's Health

Like other doctors of her time, Angela supported Saint Ultan's Children's Hospital. This hospital was for babies. She believed that women needed to learn about health. This would help improve the health of all Irish women and children. She once said that "public ignorance was mainly responsible for public ill-health." This means she thought a lack of knowledge caused many health problems.

Angela also believed that women's main role was as homemakers. She gave many talks on this topic. However, she also wanted workplaces to be flexible. This would help people balance work with family life.

From 1946 to 1974, Angela was part of the Irish Red Cross. She also served on committees for the Junior Red Cross. She worked on groups helping older people too. This was from 1953 into the early 1980s.

Angela was a member of the Commission on Itinerancy. This group reported in 1963. She also led the Cheeverstown Convalescent Home for Children. She was on the Board of the Meath Hospital as well.

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland has a small collection of items. These items are about public health. They were given by Angela and Matthew Russell's sons.