Pioneer Irene commemorated with new plaque

EMILY GRAY on a tribute to an African pioneer who made her mark in the North East

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A NEW plaque has been unveiled to commemorate the achievements of a trailblazing woman who played a significant part in Newcastle's medical history.

Dr Irene Ighodaro worked at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary in the 1940s specialising in gynaecology and supporting the war effort by treating injured soldiers.

She later went on to become an international ambassador in medicine has been honoured with a commemorative plaque bearing her name. It was unveiled today at Easton Hall, Eskdale Terrace, Jesmond, where she lived as a medical student in the late 1930s.

After a distinguished career, Dr Irene Ighodaro was awarded an MBE in 1958 for her contribution to education and healthcare, becoming a consultant in maternal and child health to the World Health Organisation and authoring a book 'Baby's First Year' in 1966.

She was nominated for the plaque by the African Lives in Northern England Project which brings to light the contributions of people of African descent through untold stories. Coordinator of the Project, Dr Beverley Prevatt Goldstein, said: "The Project is delighted that their nomination of Dr Irene Ighodaro has led to this, the first plaque to a black woman being unveiled in the city of Newcastle.