Dr Frederic Scrimgeour

OUR HERITAGE

Dr Fredric Scrimgeour

Dr Frederic Scrimgeour always brought two things to the operating table: his distinctive moustache and a pair of gloves. Working initially as Dr Vartan’s assistant, Dr Scrimgeour became the Medical Superintendent of the Nazareth Hospital (1908-1921) following Dr Vartan’s sudden death.

In taking up the role, Dr Scrimgeour worked towards advancing the hospital, always keeping Vartan’s vision in mind. During his time there, Dr Scrimgeour designed the new hospital buildings and didn’t think twice before taking up the challenge of leading the construction, working without an architect on site. The new facilities became a reality thanks to Dr Scrimgeour’s detailed sketches, photographs and measurements sent to Robert Gibson, an architect based in Dundee, Scotland.

Dr Ian MacFarlane, Dr Scrimgeour’s assistant, spoke proudly of their achievements: “It quickens our hopes that before long we shall have on the hillside above Nazareth a suitable building for our work instead of the cramped and insanitary native house we have to occupy at present.”

Originally from Dundee, Dr Scrimgeour brought fresh ideas and strategic planning into the hospital. Surgeons without gloves? Sounds like the title of a horror film Dr Scrimgeour would never watch. Forward-thinking and a pioneer in his time, he was one of the first surgeons to operate with gloves and to encourage hygiene standards amongst the wider population.

He also set about improving the hospital administration by prioritising record-keeping after noting a lack of statistical information on births and deaths. To raise awareness of the Nazareth Hospital’s mission, Dr Scrimgeour returned to Scotland. One of his fundraising events, a bazaar sponsored by Princess Alexandra, raised £5,000 (equivalent to nearly £600,000 today), which helped develop the new hospital further.

His passion for anthropology prompted him to travel around the town and countryside, asking people about their habits and trades. His descriptions and photographs have significant historical value and help paint a picture of life in Nazareth in the early 20th Century. His work forms the basis of his book, Nazareth of to-day, compiled in 1913.

We owe so much to Dr Scrimgeour. He was a leader and a visionary who planned for the future and set the hospital on the right path for generations to come. He knew what was needed for it to grow and fulfil the needs of the community in Nazareth. That’s why he invested in infrastructure and hygiene, helping the hospital improve year after year. Thanks to Dr Scrimgeour’s dedication and work, we now have a District General Hospital that provides healthcare to more than 180,000 patients each year.