Sandel Rise

Jean Mary Sandel was born in Gisborne on Boxing Day, 1916, the only child of Arthur and Mary Sandel. Her early childhood was spent in Taumaranui, before she was sent to board at New Plymouth Girls' High School.

There she achieved the distinction of becoming dux in 1932, and both dux and head girl in 1933. After leaving school she gained entrance to Otago Medical School, where once again she excelled, winning two prestigious awards.

Following the end of World War Two she travelled to England and in 1947 she became the first New Zealand woman to become a FRCS (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons).

On her return to New Zealand in 1950, New Plymouth Hospital was undoubtedly delighted that she chose to accept their offer of a surgical position. Her dedication, skill, and prodigious work ethic were to become legendary in the corridors of the hospital.

Jean Sandel did not confine her passions to the field of medicine. She took immense pride in her beautiful garden surrounding her historic house in Pendarves Street, played golf and bridge, and was an ardent rugby and cricket follower.

There is a charming story about her passion for cricket. While working at the hospital she would slip away to Pukekura Park to watch matches from the grassed terraces. If she was needed urgently back at the hospital, a white towel would be hung out of the commentary box and she would hurry back up the hill.

Sadly, ill health dogged her last years, although she continued to fulfil her surgical duties. Jean Sandel died on 4 November 1974, aged 57.

Jean Sandel's name is attached to a number of small memorials at the hospital and in the wider community. In more recent times, her name has become associated with a major New Plymouth retirement venture in Whalers Gate.

Although she was a woman of small stature her contribution in the field of health was substantial.

This story was originally published in the Taranaki Daily News.