‘A little Jacinda’ who empowered nurses
Vera Ellen nurse b July 5, 1926 d April 12, 2021
Distinguished nurse, amateur historian, local politician, advocate for women, Soroptimist and a founder of Keep Petone Beautiful, Vera Ellen was a woman of many talents.
Ellen died recently aged 94, after an illustrious career as a nurse, highlighted by 20 years as the matron and principal nurse at Hutt Hospital.
Heather Harrison, who was her secretary at Hutt Hospital, remembers her as a role model who had a genuine empathy for her staff and a commitment to helping the community.
‘‘She was a little Jacinda, very astute and well-spoken. She cared about the environment and the hospital.’’
Michael Lulich served with Ellen on the Petone Community Board and was impressed by her work ethic. ‘‘She was a strong, independent woman who dedicated her life to nursing and the community.’’
Ellen was born in Te Puni St Nursing Home, Petone. Life was tough for her family in the Depression, and she would later talk about the help received from the Salvation Army. She attended Hutt Valley Memorial Technical College, where music teacher Rudolph McClay had a positive influence on her.
Before training as a nurse, Ellen worked at the O¯ taki Health Camp. Between 1948 and 1951, she trained as a nurse in Wellington Hospital. She subsequently worked in hospitals in America, England, Whanganui, Hamilton and Wellington, before joining Hutt Hospital in 1969.
In America, she received a scholarship to train at the Ely Kenny Polio Institute and would later use her experience to treat a young nephew with polio.
From 1965 to 1975 she served in the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps as lieutenant colonel (principal matron), for which she was later awarded the Royal Nursing Medal.
During her period as a territorial, Ellen was the honorary nursing sister to governors-general Sir Arthur Porritt and Sir Denis Blundell. In 1970, she had the honour of showing the Queen around Hutt Hospital. A picture of the royal visit hung proudly on the wall of her office.
Retirement from Hutt Hospital in 1987 did not, however, mean putting her feet up. From 1989 to 1991, she was an elected member of the Wellington Area Health Board. Other roles included a spell as president of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation, president of the Petone Historical Society and the Hutt City branches of Soroptimists International, and the National Council of Women.
Not one to be shy about saying what she thought, she opposed a proposal to merge Hutt Valley Health with Capital Coast Health in 2000. She told the Evening Post that it had been ‘‘a battle representing the Hutt on the former Wellington Area Health Board’’ because of the ‘‘large majority’’ Wellington had on the board.
Health boards worked well, she said, when the majority of board members came from a medical background rather than from business.
In 2011, she was one of the first to receive a medal honouring New Zealanders who have undertaken nonoperational military service since World War II. In the following year, she received a QSM for services to nursing.
Other medals included the Commemoration Medal, the NZ Suffrage Centennial Medal, and the Royal Red Cross Medal.
Former Petone board member Michael Lulich said Ellen was very much a proud
Petone resident. ‘‘At the Petone Community Board meetings she didn’t tolerate errors in the minutes or agenda, she was a strong supporter of historical and natural landmarks, and was strongly against any fluoridation [of water] in Petone.’’
Friend and neighbour Gerald Davidson also served with her on the board. ‘‘Vera was a very communityminded person who sought to help others and was always out and about in Petone. I was often amazed at her energy, which would put those half her age to shame.’’
Harrison says it was a delight to work for Ellen, who always looked for ways to empower nurses and female staff.
‘‘She was a wonderful, lovely lady who I had the privilege to work with, and I hold her dear to my heart.’’
Her role included interviewing and training nurses, and Ellen always had their best interests at heart, Harrison says. ‘‘She made sure the nurses were well looked after and offered them advice.’’
As the principal nurse, she set high standards and expected everyone to put in the same effort she did. There are still 16 nurses at Hutt Hospital who worked for Ellen, and Harrison says she is still fondly remembered for her dedication to nursing.
Niece Sue Esau was one of the nurses who trained under Ellen, and said her aunt would later be her boss for 14 years. ‘‘She was an excellent boss, very fair and much respected by all her staff.’’
Ellen never married, and died peacefully at the Aroha Care Centre in Taita, where she had been a long-time resident.