Dorothea Nancy Waddingham (21 June 1899 – 16 April 1936) was an English nursing home matron who was convicted of murder.

Mrs. Blagg, the Honorary Secretary of the County Nursing Association, approved of Waddingham's work and arranged for Mrs. Louisa Baguley, who was 88, and her daughter Ada, who had multiple sclerosis or "creeping paralysis" as it was known at the time, to become patients.

In February 1935, another patient named Mrs. Kemp died from an illness that required large dosages of morphine and a quantity of the drug remained on the premises of Waddingham's nursing home after her death.

On September 10, 1935, Ada received a visit from a family friend, Alice Briggs, who spent an afternoon cheering her up.

As this was expected, the doctor was not suspicious, and after gaining further details from Waddingham, he filled out a death certificate stating Ada died of cardiovascular degeneration.

However, for a body to be cremated, two doctors were required to sign the death certificate, which could only be done after the family of the deceased was notified.

This led to an analysis of the organs of the deceased by W. W. Taylor, Senior Assistant to the Nottingham Analyst, who found considerable traces of morphine (over three grains) in her stomach, liver, kidneys, and heart.

Birkett brought out much damaging testimony, including how Ada Baguley's last meal was heavy and rich for a woman in her condition: Waddingham admitted that she gave Ada pork, baked potatoes, kidney beans, and two portions of fruit pie.

It was suggested as an effort to disguise the cause of death and showed a lack of concern for the patient's welfare.

It was also revealed that Waddingham claimed that Dr. Mansfield gave her surplus morphine tablets for Ada Baguley, which that doctor denied.

[9] In trial, Sullivan was discharged for insufficient evidence, although the so-called note from Ada Baguley regarding cremation was written by him.

Despite a recommendation of mercy due to her being a mother of several young children, she was hanged on 16 April 1936, having confessed to the crime shortly before her execution.