Our Story
He Whare Atawhai –
A place of kindness
He Whare Atawhai –
A Place of Kindness
Known affectionately as ‘He Whare Atawhai – A Place of Kindness’, QE Health has supported thousands on their journey to health and wellness since its doors first opened in 1942.
Originally named Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the facility was originally intended as a temporary facility to help rehabilitate injured soldiers after World War II. Recuperating soldiers would take part in a daily programme of therapy including exercise, counselling, recreation, occupational and physiotherapy plus balneotherapy or spa treatments. Spa therapies were at the Rotorua Bathhouse, now known as Rotorua Museum/Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa.
The Hospital
The hospital proved so popular, that by 1948, it was opened to the wider New Zealand public.
Following the closure of the iconic Rotorua Bath House in 1966, the hospital began complementing their clinical treatments with spa therapies, forever shaping the future of the facility as it’s known today.
Our History
Below is a timeline of highlights from our history.
1942
The New Zealand Government commissioned the Public Works Department to construct a temporary building as a convalescent hospital for returning members of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
Dr Wilfred Stanley Wallis, Dr Reeve, and Matron Watt headed a staff of medical personnel, physiotherapists and occupational therapists whose aim was not only to heal, but to assist servicemen to be gradually eased into civilian life.
1948
The hospital ceased to function as one solely for servicemen. Patients from Rotorua Sanatorium were transferred and the hospital started treating patients suffering from arthritis, rheumatism, and allied complaints.
Through Sir Bernard Freyberg, Governor General, a request was made to Buckingham Palace resulting in Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) graciously consenting to the hospital being named Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
1950s
Friday, June 22, 1951 - “Six small patients arrived this week at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to be the first inmates of the new children’s cerebral palsy unit. As the building was originally a soldiers’ convalescent hospital, reconstruction work was necessary to establish a block suitable for the use of children, and isolated from the rest of the hospital.”
Orthopaedic surgery commenced in the 1950s and continued as an integral part of the hospital services until 2009 when the last surgical patient was received at QE Health.
1960s
Spa treatment was transferred to a new wing at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, when the Rotorua Bathhouse (now known as Rotorua Museum) closed.
After 20 years of government administration, Queen Elizabeth Hospital was officially handed over to the Waikato Hospital Board in October 1968.
1970s
This was a relatively stable era with staff and patients numbers reaching their maximum.
Inpatients stayed for 6 weeks duration including most weekends.
Dr Irwin Isdale was Medical Superintendent from 1971 until 1982.
1980s
These were rather tumultuous years commencing with the sudden death of Medical Superintendent, Dr Irwin Isdale while overseas in 1982.
Dr Kevin Greene, was appointed and held the joint position of Medical Superintendent at both Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Rotorua Hospital.
In 1984 Dr Jeremy Jones from the United Kingdom arrived to fill the position of Medical Director.
1993
A private interest Health Group and Queen Elizabeth Community Trust combined to form QE Hospital Ltd, a private company.
The Trust represented various stakeholders and community groups such as the Patients’ Association, QEH staff, Arthritis NZ, Ngāti Whakaue through the Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust, Rheumatologists of NZ, Orthopaedic Surgeons of NZ, and the Rotorua community.
2003
The unveiling of a commemorative glass window funded by the former Patients’ Association. This was a ‘Turn of the Century’ gift to QE Health to celebrate 60 years of healing and caring. Celebrations were held to mark the tenth anniversary of the private company, and a name change. The name change to QE Health and Wellness represented QE’s focus away from ‘illness’ and more towards ‘wellness’.
2005
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Community Trust became the sole shareholder of QE Health.
2010
Surgical services moved to Southern Cross Hospital, Rotorua as a joint venture in 2009.
The now vacant ward was upgraded to provide improved individual rooms for the inpatient rehabilitation patients. This newly refurbished wing was named the Wallis Wing in honour of Dr Wilfred Stanley Wallis, the first Medical Superintendent.
2015
The spa, physiotherapy and gym areas are upgraded to provide a more pleasant and efficient environment for patients and staff.
2021-2023
After 80 years, and thousands of visitors, construction began in 2021 on QE Health’s brand new 3000sq m health and wellness facility.
In February 2023, QE Health’s brand new state-of-the-art facility opened, as part of a world-class health and wellness precinct along Rotorua’s lakefront. The new facility provides a comforting ‘non clinical’ feel to visitors, while delivering the next level in health and wellness services.
Geothermal wonders of Rotorua
A vibrant city, reknowned for it’s geothermal activity and Māori culture.
