Commissioned by Dunedin artist Shona McFarlane to celebrate the opening of the Dunedin Hospital Ward Block. McFarlane had been engaged as an artistic advisor to suggest suitable artists for the various commissioned works for the Ward Block, on Stephenson and Turner's recommendation (due to her reputation as an architectural painter, writer and artist).

Work was donated by Arthur Barnett Ltd.

Sculpture was moved to the current location in an internal uncovered courtyard within the Hospital in 2001.

The artwork's plaque was removed by the hospital in March 2025 in relation to the late artist's sexual abuse convictions in the 1970s.

Survivors hope the fountain is melted down and turned into a different piece of art to acknowledge the survivors.

See also:

• Panirau Mulligan, C. E. (2014). The Dunedin Hospital Art Collection: Architecture, Space and Wellbeing (Thesis, Master of Arts). University of Otago.

• Natalie Akoorie, Dunedin Hospital removes artwork by prominent artist John Middleditch, RNZ News, 4 March 2025

• Tim Scott, Call to probe extent of alleged offending, Otago Daily Times, 5 March 2025

Access restrictions: requirements relating to public health may apply (i.e. wearing of masks etc). 

The hospital is generally open to the public from the time appointments begin, (approx. 8-8.30am Monday to Friday) and visiting hours are 2-8pm daily.