Nurse Maude celebrates 130 years of care and looks to the future
As part of its celebrations marking 130 years of caring for people in their homes and communities, Nurse Maude held an event this week recognising its new research partnership with Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury.
Representatives from both organisations gathered at Nurse Maude’s Merivale site in Christchurch on Monday to celebrate the partnership and reflect on the organisation’s history, which began in 1896 when Sibylla Emily Maude, pioneered New Zealand’s first district nursing service.
The event is one of several activities planned to mark Nurse Maude’s 130th anniversary, which officially falls on 5 November.
Nurse Maude Board Chair Jane Cartwright says the anniversary is an opportunity to recognise the organisation’s remarkable history while looking ahead to the future of community healthcare.
“When Sibylla Maude first established the organisation in 1896, she was responding to a need she saw in her community. Nurse Maude was described as a very bold woman, and she achieved much through the partnerships she formed with others. It’s very fitting that 130 years later we are having more conversations about partnerships that will enable the organisation to continue to meet the needs of the community.”
The partnership brings together academic research and front-line community healthcare experience to improve care for patients, whānau and communities.
Recruitment is underway for a jointly funded Professor of Community Nursing. The successful candidate will lead a shared research programme focused on community-based models of care, ageing and complex care, workforce development, and equity in health outcomes.
UC Tumu Whakarae | Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey joined Nurse Maude representatives for the celebration, alongside members of UC’s Faculty of Health.
Today, Nurse Maude continues to provide community healthcare, nursing, homecare and support services across Canterbury, and is also active in the Nelson/Marlborough and Wellington regions.
