Treasured Painting Returned to Health Service
28 August 2010
In a wonderful gesture of good will by former Hamilton Base Hospital Matron Esme Dunnell, a beautiful watercolour painting of Skene Homestead, painted in 1959, by well known and respected Hamilton identity Mr Sam Fitzpatrick, has been gifted to the Western District Health Service, Hamilton Base Hospital campus.
Mr Fitzpatrick painted and gave Matron Dunnell the painting when he was the leading surgeon here in 1959 and she was Matron of the Hospital. Matron Dunnell, now 90 years old and living in Melbourne, considered the painting to be part of the Hamilton Base Hospital’s history and asked for it to be returned to its original home.
Lois Jones, who was also a trainee nurse here from 1956 to 1959, still keeps in contact with Matron Dunnell, kindly delivered the painting to Western District Chief Executive Officer Mr Jim Fletcher, on her recent visit to Hamilton.
An eminent surgeon, Mr Sam Fitzpatrick worked at the hospital from 1920 to 1986. He earned an international reputation together with Mr Barrie Aarons for surgery for removal of Hydatids. The Surgical Unit at the Hospital is named after him. Mr Fitzpatrick is remembered not only as a brilliant surgeon but a creative and talented artist.
Western District Health Service Chief Executive Officer Jim Fletcher “We are extremely grateful to Matron Dunnell for remembering us and her time spent in Hamilton with such fondness. I understand that the painting is treasured greatly by her and it is an outstanding gesture to donate it to the health service “.
“We certainly appreciate her gift as it has important significance for our history. The painting will be displayed prominently in the hospital for everyone to enjoy”. He said
Photo caption: Lois Jones & Jim Fletcher