BROKEN HILL'S HOSPITALS
Three medical practioners stationed at Silverton, namely Doctors John Thomson, R. D. Deane, and T. E. F. Seabrook, also served the needs of Broken Hill.
There was no hospital at Broken Hill at the time but, following an approach by the Miner's Association, the Broken Hill Proprietary Company agreed to provide temporary hospital accommodations, consisting of six - bed structure, erected at a cost of L175 pounds. The first definite move for a permanent hospital for the young town was made on May 19, 1886, at a special meeting of the Broken Hill Progress Committee, which decided to act as the Hospital Committee.
Broken Hill first hospital, replacing the temporary structure made available by the B. H. P. Company, was opened on May 16 by Wyman Brown, on the site of the present gaol. Like the B. H. P's temporary hospital, this first official hospital had provision for only six beds, and was only a wooden building.
Early in 1888, typhoid fever was prevalent in Broken Hill -practically of epidemic proportions - and a large tent was erected to house these patients. Typhoid sufferers were compelled to remain in their tents and shanties. The overflow from cesspits was discharged into laneways, spreading disease throughout the township.
For the three months ended June 30, 128 deaths were recorded, of which 40 per cent. resulted from typhoid fever.
Because this first hospital was obviously inadequate, the hospital Committee in February 1888 offered a bonus of 20 pounds for the best plan for a suitable stone building to cost 2,000 pounds, and allow for later additions up to an overall total of 5,000 pounds.
Mr J. J. Williams, who was then chairman of the hospital Committee, felt the hospital was sited in a poor position, and suggested that the hill between Thomas and Morgan Streets would be much better. The committee inspected the site to evaluate Mr William's suggestion, and agreed with him, approving it for the new hospital it had in mind.
In March 1888, a second wardsman was appointed, for there were 17 patients (13 0f them typhoid cases) at the hospital. In the meantime, quarters for a matron had been built, and, on May 4, 1888, Mrs Birkill was appointed matron at a salary of three pounds a week.
1888; The first private Hospital was established near the Propriety Dam by Madame Wallenstein, a herbalist, with accommodation for thirty patients, under the care of 'two trained nurses.
In September 1888, tenders were called for erection of a new hospital on the site chosen by Mr Williams and his committee, and the tender was awarded to Mr Honey. This new hospital was opened by Sir Henry Parkes on June 26,1889.
When the first section of the 1889 hospital was ready for occupation, the committee found itself without the money to buy the necessary furniture, the cost which amounted to over 900 pounds.
When Mr George McCulloch, who still resided at Mt Gipps Station, heard of the dilemma, he gave a cheque for more than 900 pounds to cover the cost of all furnishings.
In 1896 the Broken Hill Hospital was encountering financial difficulties and at a public meeting it was suggested that the institution be placed under control of the Municipal Council. A worker's Hospital Contributors paid a halfpenny in the pounds from their weekly wages to provide for free hospital treatment.
The mining companies refused to deduct contributions, or subsidise payments,
because of the restrictions imposed by the Truck Act.
After having opened the first section of the hospital in June 1889, Sir Henry Parkes, on another visit to the city in April 1890, laid the Foundation Stone for the northern wing,which had been allowed for in the original plans. Steady progress was made with hospital facilities over the years, but it was not until 1930 that another general ward was added.
1905: an isolation block was built, and had staff quarters attached.
1907: a start was made on nurses quarters and the building was ready for occupation in 1908.
1914: the inadequacy of just four beds in the isolation block became apparent, so a new ward containing 30 beds was put into commission.
The question of treatment of children patients had resulted in formation of the children Ward League, and mainly as a result of its efforts, two fine wards, medical
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