Jean Naismith was born at Mosgeil and qualified as a nurse at the Dunedin Hospital in 1911. In 1912 she was made Matron of the Tapanui Hospital.
TAPANUI NOTES
There has lately been a change of matrons at the local hospital, Sister Naismith, who has been in charge since the institution was opened, departing for Dunedin. She was very highly esteemed, and the Hospital Committee, ex-patients, and friends subscribed a sum of money and presented her with a wristlet watch, suitably inscribed. -Otago Daily Times, 30/6/1915.
Nurses McCallum, Gordon-Boyd, Anderson, Naismith, Brooke-Leers and Sister Newall are the nurses who have been selected to leave with the 6th Reinforcements in the troopships. Three nurses will be on each transport. Sister Newall, who was to have left with the sisters in the hospital ship, but was unable to do so owing to an attack of appendicitis, is in charge of one, and associated with her will be Nurses Brooke-Leers and Gordon-Boyd. Nurse McCallum, who has been a sub-matron at St. Helens Hospital, Wellington, will be in charge, of the other. Nurses Anderson and Naismith will go with her. All the nurses, with the exception of Sister Newall, have been working at the Trentham Camp Hospital, where they have gained valuable experience and insight into military hospital work. -Evening Post, 12/8/1915.
Sister Naismith, late of Tapanui Hospital, writing from Egypt, says she finds the summer in the Land of the Pharoahs too sultry, and the flies, of sorts, very trying. The sister when writing was under orders for France. -Otago Daily Times, 26/6/1916.
On arrival in Europe, Jean Naismith was one of the nurses assigned to Brockenhurst, a large New Zealand Army hospital near London. She served there until January 1919, returning on a ship containing invalided soldiers.
A welcome was tendered to returned soldiers in the East Taieri Hall a few nights ago, when there was a large attendance. The welcome also included A.B. Seaman Ings and Sister Naismith. Mr Miller presided. Mrs J. N Waddell escorted the soldiers to the stage as the audience sang ' Soldiers of the King.' During the evening Rev, W. W. Browne presented Sister Naismith with a gold brooch and a lady's bag on behalf of the women of East Taieri. Mr W. Allan replied on her behalf, and Seaman Ings acknowledged the welcome on behalf of the soldiers. An excellent programme was supplied by local and visiting talent, and the ladies provided supper. -Evening Star, 28/2/1919.
After returning from the war, Jean worked at Hanmer Springs, in a large hospital for returned soldiers. In 1948 she was nurse at the Hunterville dental clinic. Nurse Jean Naismith died in 1955, at the age of 74.
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