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Early expansion of hospital services
From 1888 - 1910, a great deal of rapid development was undertaken at Wellington Hospital as the facilities were put under increasing demand.
The following is part of a significant collection of historic digital content about Wellington Regional Hospital, providing insights into our history of health.
Provision for children and nurses, 1888 - 1901
It was soon realised that accommodation for nurses was required, as well as a dedicated ward for the care of children. Thus within a few years of the opening of the hospital, the first of many additions was built. This was a two-storey block at the west end of the main corridor. On the ground floor was a ward for 22 children and upstairs was accommodation for 21 nurses. The building was completed in 1888.
Caption for top image: The kitchen at the Wellington Hospital. Published in The New Zealand Graphic and Ladies Journal, 20 July 1901, p.119. Archived by Papers Past in partnership with Auckland Libraries. Image reproduced with permission from Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections NZG-19010720-0119-02.
More adult beds required
It became clear soon enough that more beds were required to accommodate adult patients. Two more wards were planned, to be placed at the east end of the main corridor and extending to the north.
When the new wards were opened in 1894, they were named ‘Fraser’ and ‘Allen’ after two respected members of the hospital board. However, these names didn’t remain in usage very long and were replaced with the designation wards 5 and 6. An early view inside ward 5 is seen here – it was originally used as a male surgical ward.
Better facilities for surgery
Surgery was originally performed in an operating / casualty room in the entrance block. By 1897 this had become quite inadequate. The medical staff met with the board chairman, following which an Operating Theatre committee was established. By September 1897 they had recommended that a new theatre block be sited between ward 5 and the two private wards to the west of the main entrance. However by January 1898 it was resolved to site the new theatre to the west of the main entrance block and in front of the private wards. The plans appear here, with a photograph of construction underway below.
The new theatre was opened on 20 December 1901 with due ceremony. Dignitaries in attendance included the Governor, the Earl of Ranfurly and the chairman of the Board of Trustees, George Webb.
The building was named the Victoria Operating Theatre in honour of the Queen’s Jubilee.
Support Services
Supporting the growing hospital were a number of non-medical services including a sizeable kitchen and laundry - see photographs above.
Surgery was originally performed in an operating / casualty room in the entrance block. By 1897 this had become quite inadequate.