In this conversation, Sandra shares memories from her remarkable nursing career at Maniototo Hospital, beginning as a 16-year-old and experiencing the many changes over decades in rural healthcare.
Sandra recounts her first days at the hospital, meeting the Scottish matron and midwife, and settling into the nurse’s home. She describes the camaraderie among the young nurses, the pride in their uniforms—especially the iconic red capes—and the routines of life on shift. Sandra also reflects on the challenges of patient care, from physical lifting before modern aids to her first experiences with patient death.
The interview touches on changes in nursing practices like the introduction of rubber gloves and lifting hoists, and the sense of community among staff and patients. Sandra reminisces about dances, movie outings, and friendships formed, as well as the resilience shown by elderly residents and the lasting impressions of remarkable individuals she cared for.
Interviewer: Kay Dundass
Interview Dates: July 2022
The abstract will help you identify what is being said during the interview.
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Sandra Kreft, undated
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