Vignette 67: Modernising women’s and children’s health

Dr Helen Mayo (1878–1967) OBE the University’s second female medical graduate, pioneered advancements in the fields of medicine, education, and women’s health.

Born in Adelaide in 1878, Mayo founded the Adelaide School for Mothers in 1909, which later became the Mothers and Babies Health Association. As a Clinical Bacteriologist at the Adelaide Hospital from 1911, she established a vaccine department. In 1917, she founded Mareeba Babies Hospital in Woodville, served as a senior paediatric advisor at the Adelaide Children’s Hospital, and coordinated the Red Cross transfusion service. In 1935, Mayo was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for her contribution to maternal and child welfare. 

She was the first woman to be elected to the University Council and served for 46 years. After earning her doctorate, she lectured at the University on children’s diseases.

She was a prominent member of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and played a vital role in the establishment of St Ann’s University College for Women. Dr Mayo’s approach to healthcare and education has been a source of inspiration for many, and Helen Mayo House, a mental health service for new mothers, is named in her honour. 

The University of Adelaide: 150 Years of Making History.  Leading for the future. p.96