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It seems very appropriate as we witness the demise of the old Murrumburrah Harden District Hospital which was opened in 1927 that we pay tribute to local residents, doctors and staff who were involved in health care in the twin towns particularly in those early years.
The town had always been fortunate in having two or three doctors but they worked out of private hospitals such as Mrs. Edgeworth’s in Iris Street, ‘Vaudan’ in Albury Street, which was owned by Dr. R Heggaton (whose home was where Which Craft now is) and another near St Anthony’s Church in Harden. They mostly catered for maternity cases. Names such as Sister Simpson and Sister M. Bourke make an appearance.
There was a move to establish a cottage hospital in the late 1890’s and although a strong committee was formed nothing eventuated.
It appears that in a second move in 1902, after social gatherings and sporting days, enough funding was achieved to secure around 8 acres as a hospital site.
Mayor W. J. Mills sought support after a government grant of 500 pounds plus donations could see the
hospital come to fruition. However, it was not to be as the government of the day went out of office.
The incoming government refused the subsidy so donations had to be returned except for the sporting event funds which were placed in trust. Over the years more money was raised and with two War loans for 220 pounds this money was handed over to the provisional committee.
As in 2020 we are suffering a pandemic, so too in 8 months between 1918 and 1919 more than 10,000 Australians died and more than 20 million worldwide from the Spanish flu. Schools were closed from April to mid-August. The Murrumburrah Public School became “the hospital.” At one time there were 15 patients and 4 deaths and the Red Cross was assisting 35 families. As numbers of the ill eased they were removed to ‘Vaudan’ across the road from the school.
With the pandemic over it was not until September 1924 that agitation for a public hospital began in earnest. Tenders Messrs Spence and McKinney were to build the hospital for 8,150 pounds over a period of 45 weeks. However, as we often find nowadays costs of public works can blow out.
The problem was that sewerage, sterilising equipment and hot water service costs were only going to
be half-funded by the Minister for Public Works. However, all’s well that ends well and with continued fundraising which included balls, picture evenings, sports, concerts and socials the foundation stone was laid in 1925. Trees were planted and the grounds fenced.
Although the ladies of the town and district had been in the forefront of the money raising and this still continues today, they had no status but were to later form a Ladies Auxiliary of around 60 ladies at the time. We are fortunate to have some ladies on our present Auxiliary who have given over 40 years service to this organisation. Past and present Matrons or Directors of Nursing have had many a “wish list” fulfilled via this generous group of women.
By the end of 1926 the building was almost completed, but awaiting on the sewerage contract.
When this was resolved a matron at a salary of 150 pounds per year, a sister at 120 pounds per year and a one year probationer at 45 pounds per year were hired to run the hospital. A cook, laundress and general use (male) had also been hired. The Ladies Auxiliary organised a kitchen tea to supply equipment for the kitchen.
Local businesses were selected to supply the hospital with its basic needs. [Continued next week.]
