| Description | Small collection of documentation and ephemeral items belonging to and collected by Dr Matthew Russell, Dublin City Medical Officer of Health, and his wife Dr Angela Russell (nee Coyne). Documents focus on Dr Matthew Russells' career as the Assistant Medical Officer of Health, Medical Officer of South City No, 2 Dispensary District, Port Medical Officer of Health and the Medical Officer of Health. There is a minor focus on his personal interests, such as the Nationalist Movement and his death. Doctor Angela Russell's education and personal interests are also represented in the collection. There is a strong focus on her charity and social welfare work and her role as an advocate for women's and Children's health. This is represented in publications and photographs. Finally, the collection contains two files relating to Sir Charles Cameron and Lady Aberdeen. |
| History | Matthew John Russell was born in Kilross, Co. Tipperary on 1 June 1874. He studied medicine at Queen's College Cork, the Catholic University Dublin and RCSI, graduating with the joint Licentiate of RCSI & RCPI in 1898. Following graduation Dr Russell worked as Senior House Surgeon at the Mater Hospital in Dublin, as a dispensary doctor in the city and medical officer to the constabulary. His role as dispensary doctor in the Kilmainham area of the city brought him a deep understanding of the problems of the inner city slums.
Matthew Russell gained his RCSI Fellowship in 1902, and a Diploma in Public Health, from the same college, in 1907. Public Health became his area of specialisation. He was appointed assistant to Sir Charles Cameron as Medical Officer of Health in 1911, and replaced Cameron in 1921. Russell also worked as Dublin Port Medical Officer of Health, and was a governor of both Dr Steevens' and Saint Ultan's Hospitals, a founding board member of St Luke's Hospital, as well as being involved with Cork Street Fever Hospital. Especially concerned with the high levels of infant mortality in Dublin, Russell was an active proponent of immunisation and is remembered for his work in combating typhus in the city; Dr C J McSweeney stated that 'Matt should be remembered in the history of Irish Public Health as the man who banished typhus'.
Dr Russell married a fellow medic, Dr Angela Coyne. Angela was born in Tralee, Co. Kerry on 15 November 1893. At age twenty one she entered University College Dublin to study medicine, following her graduation she enrolled on a Diploma in Public Health. There she met Matthew Russell who was lecturing on the course, they married in 1924.
Although Dr Angela Russell never practiced, she was active in movements for social reform, supported Saint Ultan's Hospital, was chairman of the Cheeverstown Convalescent Home for Children, on the Board of the Meath Hospital and the Central Council of the Irish Red Cross. She was a prominent member of many women's movements, such as the National Council of Women of Ireland and the Women's National Health Association. Angela Russells commitment to improving public health is visible in her many newspaper articles and Radio Éireann broadcasts.
Dr Matthew Russell died on 12 February 1956, and Dr Angela Russell died on 2 March 1991. |