Huwei Mackay Memorial Hospital Introduction
Huwei Mackay Memorial Hospital is not only one of the designated historical sites in New Taipei City but also the first Western-style hospital in northern Taiwan. Dr. Mackay conducted missionary work and provided medical care here, and the site showcases medical instruments from that time, as well as an introduction to Dr. Mackay's life, clothing, daily necessities, and church-related items. Among the exhibits are an organ imported from abroad, which had been displayed in Dr. Mackay's home for over a century, and the traditional Chinese attire worn by the Mackay family, allowing visitors to understand Dr. Mackay's life and the medical environment of the era. In 1879, Mrs. Mackay, who shared the same surname, funded the construction of the Huwei Mackay Memorial Hospital in memory of her late husband, Captain Mackay, and in appreciation of Dr. Mackay's selfless service. The architectural style features a Chinese sloped roof, a Minnan-style residence blended with Western window designs, and includes a fireplace, which was a necessary household feature for Westerners at the time. It is hard to imagine that such a simple building was once the medical institution where the world's first case of "Lung Fluke" was discovered. Today, after renovation, the Huwei Mackay Memorial Hospital not only showcases Dr. Mackay's achievements but also houses the Mackay Café, revitalizing the historical space. The hospital was personally designed by Mackay and features a Minnan-style residence combined with Western doors and windows, making it very interesting. Facing the riverside without a gate, the building adopts an inverted three-section courtyard layout. Currently, the hospital retains its original appearance and preserves some of the medical instruments used by Dr. Mackay. Please note that visitors need to call (886-2-2692515) the Tainan Presbyterian Church to make an appointment for a visit.
