This paper explores the patients’ experience of life in compulsory isolation at the truly unique, yet largely forgotten, Makogai Leprosy Hospital, Fiji. This rarely studied institution has greatly influenced the history of British dermatology and so in addition to communicating the fascinating story of the Makogai Leprosy Hospital this paper also aims to demonstrate the value in reclaiming lost knowledge of these institutions. Admitting patients from all over the South Pacific, this island once played host to over four thousand men, women and children, forcibly isolated there and removed from the eyes of the world. Unlike many of its contemporaries, including the famous Molokai colony of Hawaii, the Makogai leprosarium immediately gained a reputation for the humane treatment of its patients, the high quality of its care, and the love and attention given to the patients’ physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs. An examination of the Fijian Department of Health’s records, the accounts of the Pacific Leprosy Foundation and the archives of the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary, as well as both patient and staff interviews have all informed this research. The level of isolation endured by patients will be explored, preceding a discussion of patient attitudes towards segregation and the fascinating structure of the enforced, multi-cultural communities formed on Makogai. The emotional strain of separation from friends and family was unsurprisingly hard to bear, but for many the disfiguring aesthetics, putrid smells and enfeebling disabilities characteristic of this disease had resulted in social ostracism previous to their admission. The acceptance of the community of Makogai, was, for some, very healing. The wider social, political and cultural significance of leprosy in the South Pacific is therefore implicated in this discussion. By unearthing this wealth of historical knowledge, this paper demonstrates how such a small institution can change the face of society and even the face of medicine.