Happy birthday to us!

It has been 125 years since the first patient was admitted to Waikato Hospital, on Thursday (17 May).

On this day 125 years ago, the first patient was operated on by candle-light, for a gun-shot injury.

On 17 May 1887, there were no nurses, James J. Daley’s hand had been shattered by the barrel of a gun.

The medical officer Dr George Geils Kenny amputated Daley’s thumb and two fingers, repaired the hand and Daley’s brother stayed to look after him.

He recovered well. (This is a picture of Jim Daley at the 50th anniversary of the hospital, note the two fingers on his left hand – this picture is available in full resolution)

A Grand Round at Waikato Hospital discussed:

What was it like then – and what would we do today?
Dr Tom Watson
Chief Medical Officer

“Anaesthesia in the 1880s”
Plastic Surgical Department
“What would we do today?”

From 5 – 7.30pm a formal celebration under the auspices of the Waikato Health Memorabilia Trust was held at the Bryant Education Centre. This included a presentation on “Colonial Surgery” by Professor Keith Jeffery.

Other celebrations and activities of interest:

Wintec and Waikato DHB recently collaborated on the Village on the Hill coffee table book in celebration of the milestone.

Additional copies are available for $10 - a reduced rate - and make superb gifts - contact Kate Blackie in Visual Communications, Waikato Hospital 07 839 8899.

The Village on the Hill

ENDS


Date: 19 May 2012

Contact:
Mary Anne Gill
Communications Director
Waikato District Health Board
021 705 213