Bunbury Regional Hospital celebrates life of pioneering nurse
L-R: Jeff Calver, Director Bunbury Regional Hospital, with the McGregor-Scott family descendants David Bourne, Colin Scott, Brad Fish, Mary McGregor-Craigie, Kristine Carter, Pam Ayres and Sherron Spragg. (Absent from photo: Harry Haywood, Judy Reeves and Ronice Lovett).
One of the South West’s most prominent pioneering nurses has been celebrated with a plaque acknowledging her life and career, unveiled at Bunbury Regional Hospital recently.
Helen McGregor-Scott (1798 – 1880) emigrated from Scotland with her husband John Scott to the Swan River Colony in March 1831.
They were the first European settlers to the Bunbury region where they established ‘Eelup farm’.
With medical skills learned from her father, Helen treated broken limbs, burns, spear injuries and pulled teeth. As a midwife, she attended European settlers and local Aboriginal women and delivered Lord John Forrest, who later became WA’s first Premier.
Helen would visit patients at any hour, in all weather, with a bullock cart as her only mode of transport. Her home also acted as a first aid station and hospital.
The plaque was unveiled by Director Bunbury Regional Hospital Jeff Calver who said it was a great honour to commemorate a community member and healthcare hero who had close ties to Bunbury.
“Bunbury has a rich history and Helen’s contribution is just one great example of that.
“It was an honour to unveil the plaque with the local community and Bunbury Historical Society.”
In 2021, Helen was posthumously inducted into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame for her contribution to the community, history and culture of WA.
The McGregor-Scott family were guests of honour at a morning tea following the along with community groups, the Bunbury Historical Society, Bunbury Museum King Cottage and Memories of Bunbury.
For more information on the life of Helen McGregor-Scott contact the Bunbury Historical Society.