Maori Nurses

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume III, Issue 2, 1 April 1910, Page 92

Maori Nurses

We are pleased to be able to publish the latest news of the work of the two Maori nurses who were last year, after fully completing their course of general and midwifery training, given appointments under the Native Health Department. Nurse Akenhei Hei has been stationed at New Plymouth, whence she visited and reported on the numerous pahs in her district, and attended the sick who needed her. She unfortunately had an accident, being thrown from her horse on her way back to headquarters, and was also drenched with rain, so that she was laid up for about six weeks. She was then asked to attend a native land meeting and represent to the Minister for Native Affairs the need of a small Maori hospital in Taranaki which she did, and has hopes of something of the kind being started in a year or so. At the time of writing, Nurse Hei was at Jerusalem, Wanganui River, where there is a large pah, and where there was an outbreak of typhoid fever, and much other sickness. Natives also came from other pahs away up the river bringing their sick. She got the natives to clean up the pah, and dig drains, and asked for medical assistance. Dr. Pomare came up and sent for Nurse Heni Whangapirita, and together these two nurses have worked among their country people. They improvised a little hospital and got the fever cases — seven at this time — -and were on the point of discharging three. Some had before their arrival been nursed to convalescence by the Sisters of Compassion, who have a convent here. Nurse Hei promises us an account of more of her cases for the Journal. She and Nurse Heni expect to be able to leave the pah about the beginning of May.