Happy Birthday to Us! You Can Celebrate with 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.

(A Grand Round at Waikato Hospital lunchtime tomorrow will discuss: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 will be held at the Bryant Education Centre. This will include 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.

ENDS