James Spence was born in Amble on 19 March 1892. He studied at Durham College of Medicine in Newcastle upon Tyne and upon graduation quickly became involved in the Royal Army Medical Corps.  He received the Military Cross for ‘conspicuous gallantry’ and ‘devotion to duty’ in attending to the wounded while under fire.  

After the First World War, he worked as a physician, casualty officer, medical registrar and chemical pathologist before deciding to specialise in paediatrics.  

In 1924 he joined the staff of a day nursery, which later became Newcastle Babies’ Hospital, where he and his colleagues developed a practice that became known as social paediatrics. Their work in this field earned them a national reputation.  

He became involved in child welfare, through the City Health Department, and undertook several enquiries including a comparative study on ‘The Health and Nutrition of Certain of the Children of Newcastle upon Tyne between the Ages of One and Five Years.’ 

Spence was a strong advocate of breastfeeding, which he believed had superior health advantages and was concerned that children have adequate nutrition especially during times of scarcity such as wartime.  

He began the practice, new to Britain, of admitting mothers to hospital with their sick children so they could nurse them and feel responsible for their recovery. 

Spence was appointed Nuffield Professor of Child Health at Newcastle in 1942 and became a government adviser when the National Health Service was established.  

 The Yellow Brick Road Children's Medical Research Centre at the Royal Victoria Infirmary is officially dedicated to Sir James Spence.  

The British Paediatric Association created the James Spence Medal for ‘significant contributions to paediatrics’ in his honour. 

 Amble Middle School, Druridge Bay Community Middle School and Coquet High School were rebranded as James Calvert Spence College on 1 January 2011.