Betty Kershaw facts for kids
Dame Betty Kershaw is a very important English nurse who has helped shape nursing education and care in the UK and around the world. She was born on December 11, 1943. She became a Professor of Nursing and a leader (dean) at the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Sheffield from 1999 to 2006.
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A Leader in Nursing Education
Dame Betty Kershaw has always been passionate about teaching nurses. She was the head of the Manchester College of Midwifery and Nursing. She also directed nursing education at the Stockport, Tameside and Glossop College of Nursing. This means she was in charge of training many new nurses and midwives.
Recognized for Her Work
In 1995, the University of Manchester gave Dame Betty an honorary doctorate. This was a special award to thank her for all her amazing work in nursing education.
In 1998, she received a very high honor from the Queen: she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE). This title, "Dame," is like "Sir" for a man, and it's given for outstanding service to the country, in her case, for her contributions to nursing.
Helping Nursing Around the World
Dame Betty also worked with the Department of Health to help nursing in other countries.
- In Colombia and China, she helped update nursing practices.
- In Malta, she helped create a nursing curriculum that matched European standards.
- In Poland, she advised on how nursing could join the European community.
- She also worked with the Commonwealth Office on how nurses could move to different countries to work.
She also helped with a special project for the Department of Health. This project focused on helping nurses from ethnic minority backgrounds become leaders in nursing.
President of the Royal College of Nursing
From 1994 to 1998, Dame Betty was the president of the Royal College of Nursing. This is a very important role, as the Royal College of Nursing is a big organization that supports nurses and nursing in the UK. Before that, she was also an education adviser for them. In 2001, she was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing (FRCN), which is another high honor for nurses. She also served as the chief nursing and social care officer for St John Ambulance, an organization that provides first aid and healthcare services.
Personal Life
Dame Betty Kershaw lives in Manchester. She is married to a famous historian named Sir Ian Kershaw. They have two sons together.
