Laura Veale | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Laura Veale, before 1939 | |
| Born | Laura Sobey Veale 30 August 1867 Hampsthwaite, West Riding of Yorkshire, England |
| Died | 14 August 1963 (aged 95) Knaresborough, West Riding of Yorkshire |
| Education | Royal Free Hospital |
| Occupation | Physician |
| Years active | 1904–1936 |
| Known for | First Yorkshire-born woman to become a doctor. |
| Medical career | |
| Field | General practitioner, gynaecologist, obstetrician |
| Sub-specialties | The promotion of the welfare of women and children |
| Signature | |
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Laura Sobey Veale (30 August 1867 – 14 August 1963), known as Dr Laura, was an English general practitioner, gynaecologist, and obstetrician. She was the first Yorkshire-born woman to become a doctor. Because the concept of women doctors was considered unacceptable during her era, she was refused entry to Leeds School of Medicine, even though the Leeds Mercury published letters of complaint about her treatment. With encouragement from Elizabeth Garrett Anderson and support from Harrogate College (then Yorkshire College) she was finally accepted at the Royal Free Hospital Medical School, and qualified with a Bachelor of Medicine (MB) degree at the age of 37.
Veale was the first woman resident officer at the Hospital for Women and Children in Leeds. She opened her surgery in Harrogate, becoming the first female physician in the town. She set up a dispensary, which was to become a foundational element of the Women and Children's Department of Harrogate Infirmary. While employed there, she worked towards the foundation of a maternity department, although that did not materialise until after her retirement. She was, however, appointed physician under the Materinity and Infant Welfare Scheme during the First World War. She founded a clinic for children in Harrogate, which is now run by the National Health Service. She also set up an antenatal clinic in the town, and was appointed medical officer in the Municipal Babies' Hospital. Besides her medical work, she was a Suffragette, and worked as a member of the Women's Voluntary Service in the Second World War.