Pioneer and Campaigner
Dr John Sutherland, 1808-1891
Display No. 79
Dr John Sutherland was a Scottish physician and supporter of sanitary science. Lord Palmerston appointed Dr Sutherland (left) and civil engineer, Sir Robert Rawlinson (right) to lead the Sanitary Commission at Scutari Hospital in the Crimean War. Sutherland became friends with Nightingale and remained a lifelong collaborator.
He assisted her with practical matters as they shared concerns about public health. He also worked Nightingale with her report on health care of the British Army in India.
His last words to his wife were for Nightingale: “Give her my love and my blessing”.
Dr Sutherland and Robert Rawlinson Esq, The Sanitary Commission, 1855
[Image number: 98654] © National Army Museum
Exhibits from ‘Pioneer and Campaigner’
Discover the 200 Exhibits
Nightingale is respected worldwide for her pioneering role in developing the nursing profession, her statistical work, and her evidence-based approach to healthcare. In honour of her bicentenary the World Health Organisation have named 2020 the Year of the Nurse and Midwife.
In our special exhibition, you will find out about objects, people and places which tell interesting stories about Florence’s life and legacy. You’ll discover artefacts from her life, people she both inspired and challenged, and places she helped to shape. There’s many more insights too!
Please click on the different sections of her famous coxcomb diagram to explore various aspects of her life and legacy. We hope you enjoy exploring!