Granddaughter of hospital’s namesake pays tribute to Joseph Fraser Ninewells Hospital

The famous women and children’s hospital, Joseph Fraser Ninewells Hospital, witnessed a touching tribute to its storied 100-year legacy, as Patricia Molloy, the granddaughter of the hospital’s namesake, Joseph Fraser, visited the institution as a gesture of remembrance. 

A special event was held recently to mark this touching moment, which served to reinforce the hospital’s commitment to women’s and children’s healthcare in Sri Lanka and pay tribute to its founding purpose. The visit and event coincide with the centennial year of the founding of the hospital in 1923, by Chrissie Fraser, in memory of her late husband, Joseph Fraser. 

Surrounded by her family, which included fourth, fifth and sixth generation descendants of Joseph Fraser, Molloy’s presence added a sense of familial connection to the event. The occasion was also graced by Joseph Fraser Ninewells Hospital Managing Director Theo Fernando and Joseph Fraser Memorial Trustee Thomas Daetwyler presented Molloy with a commemorative plaque, acknowledging the enduring dedication of the Fraser family to women’s healthcare.

The focal point of the event was the symbolic planting of an Indian Gooseberry (Nelli) tree within the hospital’s vast and luscious gardens. This gesture served as a tribute to growth, vitality and continuity – values deeply intertwined with Joseph Fraser’s commitment to providing exceptional care to women and babies. 

As part of the ceremony, an enlightening presentation also unfolded, shedding light on the hospital’s remarkable journey. Whilst acknowledging its centennial year, Joseph Fraser Ninewells Hospital is poised to stride confidently into the future, continuing to set benchmarks in women’s healthcare in Sri Lanka. The hospital’s legacy of nurturing women’s health and their children too, from birth through all of life’s transformational phases, stands as a testament to its enduring commitment.

Molloy expressed her sentiments saying, “I’m pleased to honour my grandfather’s legacy and see it continuing into the present and the future. I am also deeply heartened to note that my grandmother’s vision lives on, embodied in the exceptional care provided by this historic institution.” 

Fernando added, “We look forward to building on our storied, rock-solid legacy and continuing to remain at the forefront of women’s and children’s healthcare in the century to come.”