Emily Margaret Cummins

Emily 'Margaret' Cummins, R.R.C. (1866–1934) was a nursing leader and was matron of the Liverpool Royal Infirmary, from 1911 until 1924. In 1924 Cummins arranged what is thought to be the first annual nurses service in England to coincide with the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. Cummins was involved in the formation and development of professional nursing and the College of Nursing (Now RCN).

Early life Cummins was born in Lewisham in 1866. She was the eldest child of two born to William John Lawrence Cummins, a Major in the army and engineer at Woolwich, and his wife Emily. Her mother was an innkeeper in 1891, and ran the Royal Oak public house in Milbourn St Andrew, near Blandford in Dorset. Cummins lived at home until she commenced training aged 28 years old. After Cummins completed her training she worked there as a staff nurse for 15 months. In 1898 she was recommended as a sister to Anna Baillie, a former Londoner, and the matron of the Royal Infirmary, Bristol. Shortly after moving to Bristol she was appointed Assistant Matron. Whilst in Bristol she undertook a session as a lecturer on Nursing for the Merchants Venturers Technical College, Bristol. She stayed there until 1911 when she was appointed as matron of Liverpool Royal Infirmary. Cummins was regarded as being a 'very progressive' matron. Miss Jones, Cummins former assistant matron, and her successor at the Liverpool Royal Infirmary, attended Cummins's funeral service which was held at Ringmore Church near Kingsbridge in Devon. Archdeacon Howson gave the address at her memorial service which was held in the chapel of Liverpool Royal Infirmary the day after her death.

Honours Cummins was awarded the Royal Red Cross in 1919.