Matron Rothwell and 2 nurses c 1900s. Elizabeth Rothwell hosts a tea party for colleagues. Elizabeth joined the original staff at Waikato Hospital in 1891. By 1896 she was the charge nurse. Up until 1912 Elizabeth was the only assistant the surgeons had at the hospital. It was said that no nurse in New Zealand had the surgical experience she had. Elizabeth retired in 1921 and passed away on October the 18th 1932 at the age of 69. Today the Elizabeth Rothwell building at Waikato Hospital houses services to women and many Hamilton residents will have been born in the delivery suite.