Interview with David Geddis

Describes his childhood, upbringing and education in Northern Ireland. Discusses society at the time including religious bigotry. Talks about his decision to become a doctor and the period spent working on paediatrics in Canada before coming to New Zealand to take up the position of Registrar at Otago University. Comments on the decision to leave Ireland and settling in New Zealand.

Gives details about the post of Medical Director of the Plunket Society and his appointment to it. Reflects on early reactions to Plunket. Explains the interrelationship between government funding and the funding of Karitane hospitals. Gives background to the call for the review of the Karitane hospitals, its outcome and being held responsible for their closure. Describes the origins of the Family Centre scheme.

Talks about his establishment of the campaign against child abuse, Plunket's support of this and the campaign he initiated for the prevention of child accidents. Describes the reaction to publicising of the child abuse problem, the shortcomings of the 1970s legislation on child abuse and the support of media personnel including Sharon Crosbie and Ian Fraser.

Relates aspects of the history of setting up the Plunket scheme for car seats for children. Talks about Plunket Presidents Joy Reid, Myra Graham, Joyce Andrews and Pat Seymour. Comments on political relationships including those with Frank Gill, Aussie Malcolm, Michael Bassett and David Caygill. Comments on the present crisis in Plunket, the funding of the health system and the introduction of the Regional Health Authorities (RHAs).

Venue - Dunedin : 1992

Interviewer(s) - Jim Sullivan

Venue - Dunedin

Quantity: 4 10" reel(s). 1 printed abstract(s).

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 867.

Colour portrait photograph of Dr. David Geddis in 1990

Alternative form available: Listening copies are available at OHLC-001020 to OHLC-001023