Braemar Hospital nurse Helena Macdonald has devoted her life to compassionate patient care that continues to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.
In a week where International Nurses Day is celebrated, Braemar Hospital is celebrating and acknowledging the experience of long-serving nurse Helena Macdonald and her colleagues in the nursing profession for their exceptional dedication and passion.
Helena’s career has spanned five decades. Beginning her training at Waikato Hospital in 1974, while staying in the Hockin Nurses Home, Helena began her remarkable journey under the watchful eye of a single matron “who knew everyone”.
Her nursing career took her first to Ward 7, Burns and Plastics at Waikato Hospital, followed by positions at Mater Misericordiae (Latin for Mother of Mercy), now Mercy Hospital, Auckland, before finding her permanent home at Braemar Hospital in Hamilton in August 1993.
“The basics of nursing is patient care and that hasn’t changed,” reflects Helena on her 32 years at Braemar Hospital. “But I’ve witnessed tremendous improvements in patient comfort – from six-bedded rooms to single rooms with ensuites.”
Helena currently works three days weekly in day-stay and inpatient wards, where her specialised skills shine brightest. Since 1999, she has developed expertise in colorectal stoma work and care – a specialty skill Braemar Hospital has actively supported with. Her compassionate approach extends beyond the hospital, serving voluntarily on the Waikato Ostomy Society committee, a vital support group for ostomates.
“I am always looking at the big picture with patients, not just what is in front of me,” says Helena. Her visual approach includes using drawings to help patients understand different surgeries and what to expect post-operation. This attention to psychological wellbeing is central to her practice.
“Giving people a warm blanket when they arrive is like giving them a hug. Sometimes it’s just the little things that go a long way to comforting people.”
When asked what nursing means to her daily, Helena responds with characteristic warmth: “I love coming to work. Just doing something caring and compassionate makes every day meaningful.”
Her advice to those entering the profession reflects her enduring passion: “Nursing is the most wonderful profession. It leads into so many different fields and is not just hospital based.”
Looking to the future of nursing, Helena notes: “With technology changing, many surgical procedures are becoming less invasive. As nurses, we need to keep up with all the competencies through the Nursing Council while maintaining the essence of patient care.”
Outside of her professional life, Helena is an avid gardener – “taking care of plants just like her patients.” Family life keeps her busy as she and her husband embrace their blended family of seven children and cherish their role as loving grandparents to eleven grandchildren.
“Throughout my career, working with colorectal patients has been especially fulfilling,” Helena shares. “Things are always changing, and the positive feedback from patients brings tremendous satisfaction.”
That’s what makes nursing such a rewarding career – even after fifty years.
Braemar Hospital is widely recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading private surgical hospitals and the only private hospital in Aotearoa New Zealand that is a Living Wage Employer. The hospital is 100% owned by Braemar Charitable Trust which works to improve healthcare outcomes by supporting medical research, building health sector capability and delivering a community surgery programme.