Beautiful survivor

The Christchurch Hospital Memorial Nurses Chapel is a gem. Full of stories of dedication and bravery. Just last week the Florence Nightingale Award - an international distinction - was given by the Governor General on behalf of the Queen to Sister Gapes, a nurse who works for the Red Cross and has served in Papua New Guinea, the Pacific, Somalia, South Sudan and Myanmar.

The building itself has been threatened three times in recent years. In the 1970’s the Health Board wanted to demolish it and turn it into a doctors’ car park. In the 1980’s, they wanted to demolish it for a new access road. Post earthquake damage, demolition was considered again. Christchurch City Council stepped in and took over responsibility, investing a large sum of money to maintain the historic place. It is now since December been open once more to the public.