Today marks 90 years to the day since Sisters of Mercy nuns Sister Bertrand Caroll and Sister Vianney Phelan returned from training in nursing and hospital management in Australia to take up the reins of Mater Misericordiae Hospital.
Established in a substantial home at 19 Royal Tce, the hospital had 23 beds and one operating theatre — and surgeons and anaesthetists had to carry sleeping patients down the stairs from the theatre to the ward.
In 1960, the extensive Marinoto Estate in Newington Ave was bought for a new hospital and the rest, as they say, is history.
Mercy Hospital chief executive Richard Whitney said it was very special for the hospital’s staff and community to look back and reflect on 90 years of healthcare and grassroots community service.
Throughout the week, visitors to the hospital would be greeted by staffed dressed up in period garments and historic nursing uniforms, and there had been a week-long staff quiz.
A busy day of 90th anniversary commemorations had been planned for today, including a pou blessing ceremony at dawn, patient mementos, birthday cakes, a plaque unveiling, the presentation of staff long-service awards, a tree planting and a social evening.
The unveiling of the Mercy Hospital 90th anniversary commemorative pou (Kaitaka) — a 1.8m decorative metal pillar designed by Christchurch-based artist Morgan Darlinson (Kāi Tahu, Tainui, Ngāti Porou) and manufactured in Dunedin — was of particular significance, Mr Whitney said.
The korowai/cloak design of the pou represented the Sisters of Mercy using shawls to wrap infants in their work and the hospital’s long connection to manaaki and care for people.
The 90th anniversary was also the ideal time to honour the hospital’s many dedicated and long-serving staff, Mr Whitney said.
"We are very fortunate to have had a lot of continuity at Mercy Hospital through our long-serving staff.
"And that is because of our ethos, the family atmosphere here, and our connection to community service — our staff really value that."
Among the long-serving staff being celebrated this week is McAuley Ward associate charge nurse Karen Woodhouse, who has worked at Mercy Hospital for 34 years.
Starting out as a nursing new graduate in 1992, Ms Woodhouse eventually moved into co-ordinating shifts, and has been associate charge nurse for the past two years.
Along with meeting and caring for thousands of people over the years, Ms Woodhouse recalls some memorable events, including a night shift about 15 years ago when an electrical fault caused an autoclave to catch fire.
"Thank goodness we caught it quickly and were able to avoid a major problem," she said.
These days, Ms Woodhouse enjoys maintaining regular contact with patients, the hospital’s caring atmosphere and being part of Mercy’s community activities — such as its Relay for Life team.
"Mercy Hospital has always been very supportive of nurses and other staff, as well as their growth and professional development," she said.
"Working here, you feel valued and appreciated."
Read more about the history of Mercy Hospital on page 9 of today’s issue of The Star.
