Health campaigner Melissa Vining (Ngāi Tahu), who was awarded the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the New Year’s Honours, says she is inspired by the "heroes" in the medical profession: "the doctors, the nurses, the healthcare workers."
"They just continually work harder and harder for their patients," she said.
"And also those great patients that have spoken out when they’re really, really sick to try and get help for others."
Mrs Vining was recognised for her role in the establishment and construction of the Southern Charity Hospital in Invercargill.
She said it took a couple of days before she decided to accept her New Year Honour.
"Because, obviously, it was our community’s achievement, not just mine."
The community in Otago and Southland had been incredible and many volunteers had worked so hard to get the hospital finished, Mrs Vining said.
"I feel like it’s for all of them, and recognising all of their work."
Mrs Vining established the Southern Charity Hospital Trust in 2019, with the aim of constructing a charity hospital to provide colonoscopies, day surgeries and dentistry services, following her late husband’s cancer diagnosis and experiences with treatment delays.
She has been a driving force behind the project, raising awareness for the hospital and co-ordinating support from various sources.
She used her late husband Blair’s rugby connections to drive fundraising efforts, which included a game with the All Blacks, "Buy a Brick" and dinner events. She obtained support from the Invercargill Licensing Trust, which gave the land and building for the hospital.
She has co-ordinated a range of specialists and nurses to donate their services.
Construction began on the project in 2021 and the hospital was completed in April last year.
The Southern Charity Hospital is modelled on the Canterbury Charity Hospital and initially is providing colonoscopies to patients from the Southern health zone.
Mrs Vining has been a trustee on the Southern Charity Hospital board since its inception.
