History of Umgeni hospital

The outbreak of the Second World War in Europe in 1939 with the consequent spread of hostilities to the Middle and Far East resulted in the government deciding to establish a Military Hospital (Enkambini the Military Camp Zulu’s equivalent) and Convalescent Depot in Natal. Howick was selected and approaches were made to the Town Board for suitable land in an endeavor to assist the War effort in every way possible, the people of Howick agreed to sell 121 acres of their Town Lands and building commenced almost immediately.

With the cessation of hostilities, the Military Hospital and Convalescent Depot finally closed in October 1945, which ushered in a four-year period of negotiation between the Town Board, Military Authorities and Government departments regarding the ownership and usage. The establishment had been declared surplus to Military use. The Department of Health wished to purchase it from the Town Board and convert it into an Institution for white mentally defective children. On the 5th of August 1947 a crowded public meeting in the SAWAS Hall (in Howick CBD) voted with only 7 dissentients to approve the conversion of the Military Hospital into a home for white mental defectives.

A letter dated, 07 June 1949 from the Commissioner for Mental Hygiene in Pretoria officially re-designated the “Howick Military Hospital and Convalescent Depot” as Umgeni Waterfall Institution this to take effect from 01 April 1950. 1982 saw the change in the official name of the hospital to Midlands Hospital (Umgeni). Four years earlier Umgeni had become amalgamated with the psychiatric hospitals in Pietermaritzburg viz. Fort Napier and Townhill into the Midlands Hospital Complex resulting from this Umgeni Hospital became known as a Care and Rehabilitation Centre for a few years.

The first patients were admitted on 16 September 1950; in 1957 the first Non-White patients were admitted to the Institution. The number of Non-White patients reached almost 1300 and in 1968/69 they were removed to other centers.

By 1970 Umgeni had been served by a number of notable practitioners and officials. The first Matron was Ms Boltman who had come to Umgeni from Witrand Hospital. The longest serving Medical Superintendent was Dr AP Nelemans (1911-1997) who practiced at Umgeni Hospital between 1972-1991. In his honour the Umgeni family named the entrance to the hospital’s workshop the ‘Dr Nelemans Way’.

The first Occupational Therapist employed at Umgeni was Ms Faytie Martyn, who practiced at the Hospital between 1972 and 1982. The latter therapy increased and gradually improved to the level that Umgeni Patients time and time again won prizes and awards at the Pietermaritzburg Royal Agricultural Show.
 

Official opening of Umgeni's new wing by Dr J De Beer - 17 July 1979

Part of the new wing showing Ward C, Ward D1 and Ward D2

In 1979 the government provided a considerable number of new buildings and equipment to the existing Umgeni Hospital, the newest wing of the Hospital comprising wards C, D1, D2, and E, a new central dining room, nurses residence, physiotherapy department, dispensary and adjacent offices were all officially opened on 17 July 1979.

In 1999 history was made when Umgeni Hospital officially celebrated its 50th anniversary. This has proved to be one of the major interests that have taken place at Umgeni Hospital. The patients will infinitely remain the most important aspect in the life of Umgeni Hospital hence they (patients) keep on binding us together.

Up until today the most dedicated staff has served the hospital and that legacy will continue to be lived under the leadership of Mr RB Ngubo the hospital Manager. It should be stressed out that we shouldn’t only sing the Batho Pele Principles when we go to the job interviews but we should put them into practice to sustain the trust we have with our internal and external stakeholders.

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