Meet Joan Pringle

In this conversation, Joan shares her long and dedicated career at the Maniototo Hospital, beginning with her first experiences as a nurse aide at just sixteen. She reminisces about the camaraderie and challenges of hospital life, and the many changes she witnessed in rural healthcare over the decades.

Joan reflects on memorable moments—both joyful and difficult—including her first encounters with patient care, the evolution of hospital facilities, and the strong sense of community that defined both staff and patients. She discusses rest home care, the arrival of psychiatric patients from Cherry Farm, and the resilience required during emergencies, from harsh winters to house fires. She also touches on her involvement in local clubs and her work as a preschool teacher. Joan pays tribute to the many people who shaped the hospital and reflects on the deep connections she formed with colleagues and the wider community, honouring the spirit of the people of Maniototo.