4 August, 2006
Media Release from the Wellington Health Foundation
Tell us how Wellington Hospital has helped you
Past patients and their families are being invited to tell their stories about how Wellington Hospital has made a
difference in their lives - with the best letters being stored away for future generations.
Launched by The Wellington Health Foundation, the campaign is part of the 125th anniversary celebrations for the Newtown
site. The first Wellington Hospital opened on that site in 1881.
The top 125 letters received by the Foundation will be placed inside a time capsule to be buried later this year on the
site of the New Regional Hospital, which is currently under construction.
Foundation Chairman Bill Day says this is a great opportunity to show those in the future how important the hospital and
its staff are to the community, and to provide them with a snapshot of life in the district in 2006.
“With the new hospital due to open late in 2008, and this year being the 125th anniversary of Wellington Hospital, it’s
an ideal time to invite former patients and their families to record their experiences for posterity,” Mr Day says.
“The hospital and the great staff who work there are a vital part of our community and by having letters placed in the
time capsule, future generations will be able to get a real feel for how things were in our era.”
Mr Day said the Foundation’s campaign provides a unique opportunity for people in the region to have a say and to
support the hospital and its staff. Letters can be sent to the Wellington Health Foundation, P O Box 19239, Wellington,
or online via www.wellingtonhospital.co.nz
The Foundation is a charitable trust which raises funds for child and adult health services provided by Capital & Coast DHB, which are not funded by the Government.
“We are raising funds for many areas within Wellington Hospital (including the new hospital), Kenepuru Hospital and
services in Kapiti.
“These services are yours and the Foundation offers you an avenue to contribute in a way that will benefit the whole
community,” Mr Day says.
If businesses, community groups or individuals wish to make a difference to their local health services, they can make a
donation through the Foundation’s website www.whf.org.nz or write to the Foundation at P O Box 19239, Wellington.
ENDS