Before becoming a much-loved nurse in Auckland City Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED), Jan Cowan was no stranger to the hospital. From being treated for a broken leg and knee injuries, to being saved after a terrible car accident on Christmas Day 1998, Jan experienced much as a patient – coming through our ED.
Jan and Charlie (left), daughters Evie and Blake (front left), parents and Rod and Suzie (centre, left) and wider family
Jan’s dad Rod Gavin said, “When the operations were done, she had been stitched, screwed and glued back together from her hips to her toes. Jan’s time in hospital and the wonderful care she had from the surgeons, nurses, physios and all their assistants crystallised her career choice. She wanted to be part of such a team.”
Jan got her nursing degree and started out at Waitakere Hospital, but with itchy feet, she headed overseas and spent a couple of years working in the UK and travelling through Europe on a shoestring budget. On returning to New Zealand, Jan joined the ED team at Auckland City Hospital, and she and husband Charlie had two beautiful daughters, Evelyn and Blake.
Jan got her nursing degree and started out at Waitakere Hospital, but with itchy feet, she headed overseas and spent a couple of years working in the UK and travelling through Europe on a shoestring budget. On returning to New Zealand, Jan joined the ED team at Auckland City Hospital, and she and husband Charlie had two beautiful daughters, Evelyn and Blake.
Rod said, “Jan absolutely loved her work in the ED, and she became a charge nurse around 2018. But when she was diagnosed with the lung condition, pulmonary hypertension, she knew her biggest challenge lay ahead. A lung transplant was her only eventual option.”
Jan’s deterioration was gradual and she continued working in ED until the start of COVID, when it became too risky due to her health issues, and she accepted a move to administration. While lacking the daily excitement of the ED, she enjoyed the challenging job of problem solving in a pandemic-stricken world.
“Eventually Jan’s lung transplant was upon us. Initially successful, the operation was a massive step, but things turned for the worse when an infection finally had the last say,” Rod said.
We believe no stone was left unturned in trying to find a solution and Jan was enormously grateful to all the staff who did so much to keep her comfortable in her last days.
“Jan was very accepting of her lot and was at pains to point out that she had enjoyed a wonderful life, had a fantastic family, and the best job in the world. She was very proud of ‘her’ hospital. It was this pride and the wonderful care the hospital gave her that led us to make the donation in her name.”
This special donation has been deeply appreciated by the Respiratory team at Auckland City Hospital, who remember Jan with great affection.
The family’s generous $30,000 gift has enabled the team to get new equipment for the ward and rehabilitation gym, which wouldn’t have otherwise been possible
Lung Transplant Physician Dr Chris Lewis said, “Jan worked at Auckland City Hospital for many years. She was a very popular figure in the hospital, and she was a cherished colleague to many.
“Thanks to Jan’s family, we’ve been able to get a transcutaneous monitoring (TCM) machine and sensor, which gives us a non-invasive method of monitoring oxygen and carbon dioxide levels for patients who need continuous ventilation management. And we now have new equipment in our gym, including an exercycle and a dynamometer (device to assess grip strength) – both incredibly helpful rehabilitation tools.
“All the staff who cared for Jan, before and after her transplant, respected and admired her. This is such a lovely tribute, and the generous donation will be of huge benefit to our patients. The exercise equipment is particularly meaningful, as Jan enjoyed using our older equipment during her own post-op rehabilitation.”
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Director Malcolm Underwood said: “Support from the public is invaluable to kick-starting new treatments and innovations that are of immense value to cardiovascular care in New Zealand.
Gifts like this help us invest in new equipment and research to ensure we continue to enhance the care and health of communities across the country.
“We are truly honoured when families like Jan’s choose to help future patients, and we are always committed to ensuring their gifts meet their loved ones’ wishes and make a lasting impact.”
If you are considering donating in memory, or making a legacy gift to Auckland City Hospital, please click here or call us on 09 307 6039 to discuss the difference you could make in your chosen department.
L-R: Blake, Charlie, Jan and Evie
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