The first person to get open-heart surgery in New Zealand, Christchurch resident Helen Harris, has died aged 78. Helen (nee Arnold) was about 10 or 11 when she underwent open heart surgery, performed by Sir Brian Barratt-Boyes at Auckland's Greenlane Hospital in September 1958. Photo: Courtesy of the Arnold family via RNZHelen died on Saturday, February 28, surrounded by her family. Helen Arnold post-operation with her parents. • The Open Heart from RNZ’s Eyewitness podcast details Dr Kerr’s relationship with Sir Barratt Boyes and the day that changed Helen's life.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 03, 2026 23:16 UTC