FOR OVER 20 YEARS.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17277, 13 December 1927, Page 6

FOR OVER 20 YEARS.

A HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION

DOCTOR AND MATRON HONOURED. V Various speakers at the official opening of the new wing of the Waikato Hospital paid tribute io the long and meritorious services/ of Dr. Hugh Douglas arid Miss Bothwe)!,' who for over 20 years were associated in the supervision of the Waikato Hospital. In reply on his own and Miss Rolliwell’s behalf, Dr. Douglas referred in the kindliest of terms to the invaluable services rendered the institution by “ bis mate,” as lie affectionately termed the former matron. Miss Rothwcli, he said, preceded him at the hospital by about eight years. She started as a probationer at the institution, and by her good work she soon rose to the position of sister, a position she occupied when the speaker tlrsl joined the hospital. As sister and as matron she had carried out her duties in an exceedingly efficient rrian'ner. Apart from her natural kindliness she had, with the small opportunities which she had in her Parly training, a most remarkable power of organisation. This was carried out largely through a sort of kindly motherhood towards the rest of her staff, and her old nurses had repeatedly spoken "to him in most affectionate terms of their “ dear old matron.” (Applause.) .The doctor added that only that day a patient came to him who was in hospital, nearly 24 years ago as a child of six months, and the patient’s mother mentioned that when she called to take him away after an operation, he flung his arms around the matron’s neck, and she had the greatest difficulty in getting him to release her. (Laughter.) That was only one example, added the speaker, of the affection which patients bad for her. The doctor thanked the board for the very great honour done both Miss Rothwell and himscif in naming the two new wards after them. He was exceedingly proud that their names should be perpetuated in this way. He was quite sure, he concluded, that under the splendid staff which the hospital had at present, the new wing was going to be a very fine thing for the district. (Applause.) The chairman cf the Board, Mr Campbell Johnstone, said Dr. Douglas had said little of himself, but all who had in any way been associated with the hospital knew of the wonderful work he had done.