Brief History of the Development of Numurkah and District War Memorial Hospital

A Provisional Committee was established in 1945 to raise 15,000 pounds toward the construction of a 30 bed public hospital in Numurkah.  The work of the Provisional Committee continued for a number of years and in 1947, land (upon which the present Hospital is situated) was donated by the Moss, Trengrove and Holmes families.

In 1951, plans were drawn up for the construction of a two storey building designed to accommodate 50 beds with the provision to expand to 70.  These bed numbers were calculated on the basis of a 9 beds to 1000 population ratio utilised as the planning guideline of the period.

Around the same time, the Provisional Committee had purchased the Penzance Private Hospital for 5,200 pounds to provide hospital services to the community.  In 1955, all works not in progress on hospitals throughout Victoria were put on hold pending the outcome of a Government enquiry into the needs for hospital services.  As a result, the nurses’ home which had been constructed on the new site at Numurkah was refurbished to become a 17 bed hospital ward.  The 16 bed ward which remained at the Penzance site was utilised as a midwifery ward.  In this same year, the Provisional Committee was incorporated to become the first Committee of Management of the Hospital.  On the 13^th April, 1957, the Hospital was officially opened by Dr. E.E. Dunlop.  Also in 1957, the late Miss K. Walsh bequeathed to the Hospital 8,200 pounds with which a new wing was constructed.

In 1962, the two campus Hospital was amalgamated onto the present site with the closure of Penzance Hospital .  This closure meant that all services (viz. medical, surgical, paediatric and midwifery) were, for the first time, being provided from the one campus.

The Hospital continued to develop over the years.  In 1970, further additions took the bed number to 35.  In 1971, the domiciliary nursing service was commenced, and in 1972, a Provisional Committee (under the auspices of the Hospital Board) was formed to establish hostel services in Numurkah.  This Committee successfully oversaw the construction and opening of a 33 unit Hostel in 1976.  Since this time, the Hostel Committee, in liaison with the Hospital Board, has constructed a 20 bed Nursing Home (1982).

Major works to the kitchen (1974), the theatre/casualty area (1976 and 1981), and the support service block (1983) have since been completed.

In 1989, major renovations to a residence owned by the Hospital provided a permanent home for Adult Day Activity and Support Services, and the Board of Management agreed to a two bed reduction in the registered bed number at the Hospital, thus leaving 33 registered beds.

1990 saw the completion of a 10 bed extension to Baala House Nursing Home taking total accommodation available in this Home to 30 places.

The Health Department Victoria provided a grant in 1991 which enabled the coolroom facilities in the Food Services Department to be upgraded.  Also during that year, land was purchased at the rear of the Hospital for future expansion.  A large storage shed was constructed on this land adjacent to the existing workshop.

Following the 1992 Annual Appeal, midwifery facilities in the South Wing were upgraded with the conversion of the old plant room to a sitting/feeding room and enclosure of an outdoor garden area.  The delivery suite was totally renovated and includes a spa bath and feature window.

The Nurses’ Stations of the South and General Wings were amalgamated in 1993, with the previous General Wing Nurses’ Station being enlarged and modernised, enabling all nursing staff to work efficiently from this area.

A large modern steriliser for the Theatre Department was purchased with proceeds from the 1993 Annual Appeal, with an elevator x-ray table being purchased following the Annual Appeal in 1994.

In 1995/96, the aesthetics of the Hospital were greatly improved following the application of masonry veneer to several external walls and the subsequent painting of all exterior surfaces.  Further enhancements were also made with the construction of a front entrance canopy.

During May, 1996 site works commenced for the construction of a Community Health Centre.  This building was officially opened on Friday 1^st November, 1996 by the Hon. Dr. Denis Napthine, MP.

On the 1^st July, 1997 contracts were signed for the upgrade of the Casualty/Radiography areas within the Hospital.  Works in these areas were completed in February, 1998.

Under recommendation of the Minister for Health, the Governor in Council amended Schedule 1 of the Health Services Act on the 30^th September, 1997 by changing the name of the Numurkah & District War Memorial Hospital to Numurkah District Health Service.

In 1999, the Palliative Care Suite was completed, built with contributions from the Department of Human Services and the local community.  The Suite is now providing appropriate accommodation to those in the end stages of terminal illness.

In 2001, the Department of Human Services funded a feasibility study and master planning exercise to totally redevelop the Numurkah District Health Service site.  This planning process incorporates bringing on site the beds currently located at Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge.  It is hoped that further funding to progress this project will be announced in the 2002 State Budget.

Contact Us

For comments on this site, contact the Webmaster.