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Westland Hospital, late 1950s.
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DescriptionWestland Hospital, late 1950s.PhotographerKelvin ManleyDate of Photolate 1950s.Map[1] ContributorKelvin and Maureen Manley
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Location (city or town)HokitikaLandmark (Place)Westland Hospital
Category Information
Category TagHospital
From Facebook
CommentsNancy Phil - Worked there in the 60s.
Dea Minehan - We have the photo Nancy!!
Jennifer Roberts - Westland Hospital Hokitika where a lot of good people trained and become fantastic nurses, hello to you all xxJen.
Raewyn Nelda Louttit - So true Jen.
Anthea Keenan - Born in that there Ellis Ward :) over the bath as all beds full 1958.
Raewyn Nelda Louttit - I did my nursing there it was a great place love my time there. Great friends made from there.
Jennifer Roberts - Will never forget you, was great catching up in aus x jen.
Raewyn Nelda Louttit - Jennifer Roberts, Hey yes it was .. how are you and what are you up to?
Jennifer Roberts - Well, I've been home for nearly a year. I started my own business called TOES BY Jennie, which is an in home nail cutting service, so I go to the client, Its for people who can't see, reach, or don't have the strength in their hands. I also do haircuts, they say it takes awhile. I now have over 120 on my books, so so far so good, great being home with my family. How are you and your family doing? x
Raewyn Nelda - Louttit Jennifer Roberts, wow that is good for you .. we are good . Kids all growing fast .. we just got back from Hawaii it was beautiful . You living in hoki ?? Good on you ..
Bernadette Hannah - Gosh Jen those were the days !!! Fun times there . We could write a book ..xc
Jennifer Roberts - Hell yes, it would be great if everyone who worked there, wrote down their story, i mean everyone who worked at Westland, it's so sad to see it now, though I do have to say there are big developments happening, my grandson even found a cup with Mandal Ward on it. So if you felt like putting old fashioned pen to paper, already too much history has died with the staff who have gone, great memories, eg, going through the wards singing christmas carols, here's to you all.
Judi Johnson my mum was a nurse there
Karen Lawson That was an amazing place for a hospital. What a pity they didn't rebuild there. It had the most amazing view of the ocean. Really cool working there late 60s early 70s.
Sharyn Kevin Ratcliffe Barb Templeton Margaret Laughton check this out
Barb Templeton Sharyn Kevin Ratcliffe my stamping ground, excellent days there, plus the kids all born there. Happy memories
Sharyn Kevin Ratcliffe knew you would love it
Jan Sowman My son Richard was born there in 1976. Great hospital.
Margaret Standen My daughter was born there and hubby worked there for many years.
Colin J Wilson Kelvin Manley, were you part of this gang with that P&T Bedford there. Looks like it is a winch truck.
Ave Muir Our kids were born there, great memories. What a shame it’s all gone. Now a nothing??
Kathryn Ward I remember the goldfish pond at the back of the hospital.
Arlene Hutcheon I went up there when I was young to visit an elderly relative who lived there. Why wasn't it rebuilt? It has a beautiful view over the ocean.
Maureen Bedford Worked there for a short time 78-79.
Faye Cillekens Was grt in its day.My nan spent her last years there. She used to say up the hill hosp first.mental hosp next and then last resting place cemetary. Once your up.the hill u dont come down.Dear old nan.Remember visiting my uncle who had TB.used to talk to him outside his window.I agree a beautiful spot .Just so derelict now.
Sharyn Kevin Ratcliffe What were the names of all the wards??
Deborah Marley I went there in 1970 for foot surgery under mr black
Murray Bone was in there a couple of times for operations and my dad Bill Bone worked in the boiler room
Pat Weir It’s hard to believe that there was a hospital there with 3 wards looking out towards the sea so beautiful. One ward was called William had an idea another Mandl something like that but unsure hope someone can remember. Seaview hospital grounds were pretty too when going passed on way to Westland Hospital. It ain’t now quite sad.
Lynne Hawkins Sharyn Kevin Ratcliffe Couston is a Grey hospital ward. Manson was the other ward in Hokitika hospital.
Joyce Worters Hi I was in the hospital in 1940 for two years
Joan Mclean The wards were from the left in the photo were Mandl,Ellis, Manson and Williams.
Sharyn Kevin Ratcliffe thanks
Colleen Astwood I worked there in late 50s
Pam Mathieson worked there in 60s lots of memories
Anna Therese Webster I Did my orthopaedic training in theatre under Mr Black while General nursing in Greymouth mid 60s
Margaret Reisinger Anna Therese Webster mr Black was amazing!
Anna Therese Webster Margaret Reisinger certainly was and learnt so much from him
Tania Newman It was a good hospital, training was done there as well. Remember the goldfish ponds. Such a shame
Denise Bradley I was in the nurses home during the Murchison earthquake 1967 and the water pipes all broke and we got an early shower.
Trevor Keith Scott I spent 11 months in that Hospital with a broken Pelvis, they even made a special 4 poster bed for me with canvas support around the pelvic area. So that the only part of my body touching the bed was shoulders and legs for 5 months, told that I had died 11 times but I sure remember 2 times?? True. I was 18 then living in Paroa.
Joy Barr I was born thereLindsay Thompson The first time I went up the pain and despair was palpable
Anthea Keenan We had sit ins in attempt to keep our hospital ... Westland closed, then Seaview... Forestry & Lands & Survey / govt. departments, & milling = all closures impacted our Community and it really never the same with tourism ...!.
Bob Wright Dad was House manager in the late 40's and early 50's - Started the Chook farm
Marg Pearson I had my appendix removed at this hospital when I was 7 years old!
Marilyn Paterson I think they were removed to be preserved, someone will know.
Vaughan Bradley These tiles are now at the Hokitika Museum
Colleen Astwood Ellis ward wasn't there then, the maternity hospital was in Hampden street then. When it burned down, you went to Greymouth to have your baby, while they were getting our domestic cottage ready to use as temporary maternity.
Colleen Astwood I meant to say when I worked up there, great memories
June Williams I was in Mandl Ward twice. Once when in Primary School and once when I was in secondary School. The second time I was in there for a couple of weeks and I remember as you got better you moved up the ward towards the balcony, then the balcony, then home. If I remember correctly in the 60s when I was there Mandl Ward was the women’s ward,Ellis Ward was the men’s ward and Manson Ward was the geriatric ward.
Irene Cook lovely 3 of mine born there to.
Sue Fraser 1974-75 worked in the kitchen after school & holidays. Dot Mehrtens in charge. George & Gerry were other cooks.
Gail N Gary Martin Our 3 babes born Ellis Ward
Faye Cillekens Remember going to the hosp.laundry with nana niece (aunty mabel)seyb.Loved helping with the folding.was about 9 .10.Workers used to give me a little wage in an envelope. Few 6d 3d.Felt very important lol.
Charles Hutana I have many many pleasant memories of the 'Westland',
Particularly, the Nurses Home hmm!!
Hutana Haha. I was a nurse who lived there and I dont think you would be the only male who has found memories. Need say no more.
Dea Minehan - We have the photo Nancy!!
Jennifer Roberts - Westland Hospital Hokitika where a lot of good people trained and become fantastic nurses, hello to you all xxJen.
Raewyn Nelda Louttit - So true Jen.
Anthea Keenan - Born in that there Ellis Ward :) over the bath as all beds full 1958.
Raewyn Nelda Louttit - I did my nursing there it was a great place love my time there. Great friends made from there.
Jennifer Roberts - Will never forget you, was great catching up in aus x jen.
Raewyn Nelda Louttit - Jennifer Roberts, Hey yes it was .. how are you and what are you up to?
Jennifer Roberts - Well, I've been home for nearly a year. I started my own business called TOES BY Jennie, which is an in home nail cutting service, so I go to the client, Its for people who can't see, reach, or don't have the strength in their hands. I also do haircuts, they say it takes awhile. I now have over 120 on my books, so so far so good, great being home with my family. How are you and your family doing? x
Raewyn Nelda - Louttit Jennifer Roberts, wow that is good for you .. we are good . Kids all growing fast .. we just got back from Hawaii it was beautiful . You living in hoki ?? Good on you ..
Bernadette Hannah - Gosh Jen those were the days !!! Fun times there . We could write a book ..xc
Jennifer Roberts - Hell yes, it would be great if everyone who worked there, wrote down their story, i mean everyone who worked at Westland, it's so sad to see it now, though I do have to say there are big developments happening, my grandson even found a cup with Mandal Ward on it. So if you felt like putting old fashioned pen to paper, already too much history has died with the staff who have gone, great memories, eg, going through the wards singing christmas carols, here's to you all.
Judi Johnson my mum was a nurse there
Karen Lawson That was an amazing place for a hospital. What a pity they didn't rebuild there. It had the most amazing view of the ocean. Really cool working there late 60s early 70s.
Sharyn Kevin Ratcliffe Barb Templeton Margaret Laughton check this out
Barb Templeton Sharyn Kevin Ratcliffe my stamping ground, excellent days there, plus the kids all born there. Happy memories
Sharyn Kevin Ratcliffe knew you would love it
Jan Sowman My son Richard was born there in 1976. Great hospital.
Margaret Standen My daughter was born there and hubby worked there for many years.
Colin J Wilson Kelvin Manley, were you part of this gang with that P&T Bedford there. Looks like it is a winch truck.
Ave Muir Our kids were born there, great memories. What a shame it’s all gone. Now a nothing??
Kathryn Ward I remember the goldfish pond at the back of the hospital.
Arlene Hutcheon I went up there when I was young to visit an elderly relative who lived there. Why wasn't it rebuilt? It has a beautiful view over the ocean.
Maureen Bedford Worked there for a short time 78-79.
Faye Cillekens Was grt in its day.My nan spent her last years there. She used to say up the hill hosp first.mental hosp next and then last resting place cemetary. Once your up.the hill u dont come down.Dear old nan.Remember visiting my uncle who had TB.used to talk to him outside his window.I agree a beautiful spot .Just so derelict now.
Sharyn Kevin Ratcliffe What were the names of all the wards??
Deborah Marley I went there in 1970 for foot surgery under mr black
Murray Bone was in there a couple of times for operations and my dad Bill Bone worked in the boiler room
Pat Weir It’s hard to believe that there was a hospital there with 3 wards looking out towards the sea so beautiful. One ward was called William had an idea another Mandl something like that but unsure hope someone can remember. Seaview hospital grounds were pretty too when going passed on way to Westland Hospital. It ain’t now quite sad.
Lynne Hawkins Sharyn Kevin Ratcliffe Couston is a Grey hospital ward. Manson was the other ward in Hokitika hospital.
Joyce Worters Hi I was in the hospital in 1940 for two years
Joan Mclean The wards were from the left in the photo were Mandl,Ellis, Manson and Williams.
Sharyn Kevin Ratcliffe thanks
Colleen Astwood I worked there in late 50s
Pam Mathieson worked there in 60s lots of memories
Anna Therese Webster I Did my orthopaedic training in theatre under Mr Black while General nursing in Greymouth mid 60s
Margaret Reisinger Anna Therese Webster mr Black was amazing!
Anna Therese Webster Margaret Reisinger certainly was and learnt so much from him
Tania Newman It was a good hospital, training was done there as well. Remember the goldfish ponds. Such a shame
Denise Bradley I was in the nurses home during the Murchison earthquake 1967 and the water pipes all broke and we got an early shower.
Trevor Keith Scott I spent 11 months in that Hospital with a broken Pelvis, they even made a special 4 poster bed for me with canvas support around the pelvic area. So that the only part of my body touching the bed was shoulders and legs for 5 months, told that I had died 11 times but I sure remember 2 times?? True. I was 18 then living in Paroa.
Joy Barr I was born thereLindsay Thompson The first time I went up the pain and despair was palpable
Anthea Keenan We had sit ins in attempt to keep our hospital ... Westland closed, then Seaview... Forestry & Lands & Survey / govt. departments, & milling = all closures impacted our Community and it really never the same with tourism ...!.
Bob Wright Dad was House manager in the late 40's and early 50's - Started the Chook farm
Marg Pearson I had my appendix removed at this hospital when I was 7 years old!
Marilyn Paterson I think they were removed to be preserved, someone will know.
Vaughan Bradley These tiles are now at the Hokitika Museum
Colleen Astwood Ellis ward wasn't there then, the maternity hospital was in Hampden street then. When it burned down, you went to Greymouth to have your baby, while they were getting our domestic cottage ready to use as temporary maternity.
Colleen Astwood I meant to say when I worked up there, great memories
June Williams I was in Mandl Ward twice. Once when in Primary School and once when I was in secondary School. The second time I was in there for a couple of weeks and I remember as you got better you moved up the ward towards the balcony, then the balcony, then home. If I remember correctly in the 60s when I was there Mandl Ward was the women’s ward,Ellis Ward was the men’s ward and Manson Ward was the geriatric ward.
Irene Cook lovely 3 of mine born there to.
Sue Fraser 1974-75 worked in the kitchen after school & holidays. Dot Mehrtens in charge. George & Gerry were other cooks.
Gail N Gary Martin Our 3 babes born Ellis Ward
Faye Cillekens Remember going to the hosp.laundry with nana niece (aunty mabel)seyb.Loved helping with the folding.was about 9 .10.Workers used to give me a little wage in an envelope. Few 6d 3d.Felt very important lol.
Charles Hutana I have many many pleasant memories of the 'Westland',
Particularly, the Nurses Home hmm!!
Hutana Haha. I was a nurse who lived there and I dont think you would be the only male who has found memories. Need say no more.
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West Coast New Zealand History (23rd May 2020). Westland Hospital, late 1950s.. In Website West Coast New Zealand History. Retrieved 8th Jun 2026 13:25, from https://westcoast.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/22297