The Village on the Hill - Celebrating 125 Years of Waikato Hospital

Published by Waikato District Health Board (DHB), Hamilton, Dec 2011, 158 pages.

On 17 May 1887 when the first patient arrived, there were no nurses at the fledging Waikato Hospital. James J. Daley's hand had been shattered and medical officer George Geils Kenny amputated his thumb and two fingers, and Daley's brother, in the absence of nurses, stayed to look after him. He recovered well. Since then thousands have been through Waikato Hospital. On any given week day, there are about 500 inpatients, 5000 staff and more than 4500 visitors. It is Hamilton's most visited place and yet it still has that 'village on the hill' feel about it. What we've attempted to do is to explore why that is and to celebrate 125 years of the Waikato District Health Board and its predecessors.