Huwei Mackay Memorial Hospital Introduction
Huwei Mackay Memorial Hospital is not only a designated historic site in New Taipei City but also the first Western-style hospital in northern Taiwan. Due to Dr. Mackay's missionary and medical work conducted here, the site exhibits medical equipment used at that time, along with a biography of Dr. Mackay, his clothing, daily necessities, and church-related items. Among these are an organ imported from abroad, which has been in Dr. Mackay's home for over a century, and a Tang suit worn by his family, allowing visitors to learn about Dr. Mackay's life and the medical environment of the time. Established in 1879 by Mrs. Mackay, in memory of her late husband, Captain Mackay, and in recognition of Dr. Mackay's selfless service, the hospital was funded and constructed. Its architectural style features a traditional Chinese sloping roof combined with Min Nan-style residential design and Western-style window frames, and it includes a fireplace, which was a necessary household feature for Westerners at that time. It is hard to imagine that such a simple building once housed the medical institution where the world's first "lung fluke" was discovered. Today, after renovations, the Huwei Mackay Memorial Hospital not only showcases Dr. Mackay's life but also houses the Mackay Café, revitalizing the historic space. The hospital was personally designed by Mackay; its structure resembles a Min Nan-style house but integrates Western-style doors and windows, making it quite interesting. Facing the riverside with no courtyard, it adopts a reverse three-section courtyard layout. The hospital still maintains its original appearance and retains some medical equipment used during Dr. Mackay's practice. For visitors, please call (886-2-2692515) to make an appointment with the Taiwan Presbyterian Church - Tamsui Church before your visit.
