Anstey, Olive Eva (1920 - 1983)

Miss Anstey's vision of nursing included the idea that nurses could position themselves to contribute to the alleviation of the social conditions that marred the lives of many. Her strongly held convictions about nursing were tempered by a capacity to see clearly what needed to be done and to be realistic in what could be achieved within the prevailing circumstances. She was, therefore, always an active participant in the organisations in which she involved herself, holding office in many. She believed that the development of nursing could only come about by the efforts of nurses themselves and in this, the nursing organisations had a critical role to play. She worked towards unity and cohesion within the nursing profession, between its organisations, both nationally and internationally, seeing disunity as a major weakness that diminished the power of nurses to express, pursue and achieve their professional aims.

In keeping with the notion that nurses must help themselves she was an early member of the Florence Nightingale Committee which was dedicated to raising funds to support scholarships for nurses to undertake post basic education. She was an advocate for improved education and the formal development of nursing knowledge through research. She foresaw and indeed advocated the transfer of nursing education to the tertiary sector and was active in promoting and supporting this idea as early as the 1970s. She worked towards this goal through the Royal Australian Nursing Federation in particular.

She carried a strong conviction into the role of President of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) believing that the collective force of nursing was a benefit to mankind which could be mobilised to bring about 'an end to violence and starvation'. Miss Anstey became the first Australian born president of the ICN. She was outspoken and fearless in relation to issues that were of concern and she was highly respected for her integrity, enthusiasm and optimism as well as her absolute belief in both nurses and nursing.

Those who knew her believe that her political awareness, savvy and being administratively adroit, particularly in managing meetings and in understanding money matters contributed to her success in achieving her aims through the nursing organisations. She was well regarded by her colleagues and subordinates who appreciated her openness and preparedness to listen to people. She made a point of knowing everyone and keeping in touch with nursing practice issues within her own hospital which was much appreciated by all with whom she worked.

Throughout her career she was a staunch advocate for nurses and nursing and she worked tirelessly to "improve [patient] care and to improve the lot of those who cared" (Pratt, R. & Russell, R.L. (2002). A Voice to be Heard: The History of the NSW College Nursing. Allen & Unwin, Sydney p.196).

Chronology

1941 - 1944	Nurse training at Perth Public Hospital (became Royal Perth Hospital in 1948)
1944 - 1946	Staff Nurse at Royal Perth Hospital, Western Australia, and during this time was promoted to Sister in charge of operating room
1947 - 1948	Completed midwifery training at the Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney. Following the completion of Midwifery she returned to the Royal Perth Hospital to resume her position as Sister in Charge of operating room before resigning and returning to Sydney
1948	Private nursing work in Windsor in Sydney
1949	Organiser at the New South Wales Nurses Association
1950	Ward Sister and Charge Nurse of surgical wards at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney
1950 - 1953	Community Health Nurse and School Medical Nurse in South Australia
1953 - 1956	Tuberculosis sister at the Perth Chest Clinic
1957	Completed Diploma of Nursing Administration at the College of Nursing Australia, Melbourne supported by a Western Australian Government scholarship of 500 pounds
1958 - 1963	Matron of Collie Hospital in Western Australia, then Matron of the Perth Chest Hospital (later named Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital)
1963 - 1982	Director of Nursing at the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth, incorporating the Queen Elizabeth second Memorial Centre
1969	Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
1978	Honorary Fellowship conferred by the NSW College of Nursing
1982	Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

• 'Anstey, Olive Eva (1920-1983), Biographical Entry', in Australian Women's Archives Project, National Foundation for Australian Women, 2003, http://www.womenaustralia.info/biogs/IMP0071b.htm. [ Details ]