History of Wellington Hospital
Introduction
These pages focus on the history of Wellington’s public hospital — its buildings, services, and some of the many people who helped shape it over the decades.
This archive was compiled and written by the late Dr Ron Easthope, a former hospital cardiologist and honorary archivist. Ron dedicated many years to researching and preserving this history, and this collection reflects the depth of his knowledge and passion for the subject.
We’re proud to host his work here as a lasting record of Wellington Hospital’s past.
The original Wellington Hospital History website has been archived and is still available to view on the Wayback Machine:
https://web.archive.org/web/20250123125951/https://www.ccdhb.org.nz/about-us/history/
We’re currently working to bring that content over to this new site so it can continue to be accessed and preserved in one place. You’ll find the archived content below. We’re still in the process of updating and organising some sections as the transfer continues.
1. A History of the Public Hospital in Wellington
A visual and written history of Wellington’s public hospital buildings — plus key stories about medical staff, nursing, and children’s services.
2. The Early Staff of Wellington Hospital
A written history of the early staff at Newtown Hospital, focusing on the roles of medical, nursing, and non-clinical personnel, including key individuals and a notable controversy.
3. The Nursing Administration
The nursing administration at Wellington Hospital, detailing the evolving role of matrons and other nursing staff from the hospital’s earliest days through its first century.
4. Educating Nurses at Wellington Hospital
A look at how nurses were trained at Wellington Hospital—covering student nurses, aides, tutors, and the evolution of teaching facilities from the early days through to modern times.
5. Cardiology at Wellington Hospital
This section traces 86 years of progress in cardiology at Wellington Hospital—from humble beginnings to modern practice. Told through timelines, personal stories, and photos, it highlights key figures, pivotal moments, and the evolution of heart care across the decades.
6. Services for Sick Children
Explore the history of services for sick children in Wellington, from the first dedicated ward in 1886 through to modern care in 2020. This story spans Wellington and Kenepuru Hospitals, the neonatal services, paediatrics, and personal reflections from those who lived it.
