Dr John Wilson

"He loved his hospital and everyone in it..."

The first superintendent of Mearnskirk was Dr John A Wilson, who worked at the hospital from 1929 until his death in 1946. Although a physician by profession, his true interest was in bacteriology and he devoted much of his career to understanding every aspect of tuberculosis. 

Wilson was well-suited for the job at Mearnskirk due to his previous work and research. Prior to his time at Mearnskirk, Wilson worked for many years in the East End of Glasgow as part of the Tuberculosis Service. A man with an inquisitive mind, his research into tuberculosis also helped to establish the use of X-ray films in a diagnostic setting. X-radiation was discovered by German physicist, Wilhelm Roentgen, in 1895 and within a year the world's first radiology department was established at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary by Dr John Macintyre. The use of X-rays would go on to be a staple practice in diagnosing tuberculosis in individuals. 

Wilson was a kind, cheerful man who cared deeply for his profession, staff, and patients. His sense of humour would always put people at ease, often telling stories of the characters he came into contact with during his time working at the Dispensary in Acorn Street. Always thinking of others before himself, he lived his life helping those in need of treatment or guidance and was a well-loved member of the hospital by both staff and patients. His death was a great loss to all who knew him. 

A memorial statue was erected on the grounds of Mearnskirk in his honour, made possible through the fund-raising of Mr Alfred Ellsworth and Arthur Bromfield. The statue was a depiction of the story of Peter Pan, which had been a dream of Wilson's for many years- to give the children a Peter Pan. A video of the memorial ceremony can be found here. 

After Wilson's passing, the role of superintendent was taken up by Dr Alexander Dale.