The hospital was founded in 1931 in south-eastern Nigeria by a PM missionary, Ernest Edward Pritchard (1887-1963; e.m. 1911). It was originally known as the Mary Leuty Hospital, after the founder and secretary of the PM Women's Missionary Federation. Under Dr. J.C. Morris from 1933 it developed as a major surgery centre, for which his wife trained African nurses. A leper colony was also associated with it. Under Dr. Harry Haigh from 1940 to 1969, it became a general hospital of national repute, including a training centre for nursing and midwifery, a nurses' hostel and a Maternity Village. By 1962 it was staffed by three doctors, a matron, assistant matron and sister tutor, with supporting nursing staff, and had 211 beds. Among those who worked there was Dr. Howard Souster. During the 1967-70 Biafran War it was a centre for treating the wounded and for feeding the victims of the blockade. The 'scorched earth' policy of the retreating Biafrans left it in a condition from which it struggled to recover. The Nigerian government took over the hospital, but handed it back to the Nigerian Methodist Church in 2005.

See also Medical missions.

Entry written by: JH
Category: Place
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