110 years of caring for the community

Not many organisations can claim to have prospered for 110 years but Auburn Hospital can!

The hospital started as the Granville Electorate Cottage Hospital in 1907, it then transformed into a modern multi-story building in 1963 before becoming the colourful structure we know today.

The $150 million Auburn Hospital redevelopment was completed in 2010 and was opened two months ahead of schedule.

It was also one of the largest health projects in New South Wales at that time and received accolades as a state-of-the-art medical facility.

As a local resident in Granville, 88-year-old Beryl Duff said she recalls the days of the Granville Electorate Cottage.

“We would get off the train after school and walk to the hospital from the station,” Ms Duff said.

“We’ve seen lots of changes in the area over the years and the hospital is one of the main ones that really stands out.”

Auburn Hospital nursing and midwifery director Kate Murphy said the hospital has developed to meet the demand for the multicultural population of Auburn and surrounding communities.

“Today represents a significant milestone for the patients, staff and families that we care for at Auburn Hospital,” Ms Murphy said.

“We celebrate 110 years of saving lives, birthing babies and transforming healthcare for our community and the people of our area.

“It has also been the training hospital for many nurses and midwives … including the first NSW Health chief nurse Judith Meppem.”

In 2010, Auburn Hospital became a teaching hospital for the University of Notre Dame Australia, providing vital training for medical and nursing students.

The hospital offers 24-emergency care, acute medical and surgical services, maternity services, antenatal and postnatal services, paediatric short-stay, satellite renal dialysis, allied health and outpatient services.

The Community Health Centre is on the grounds of the hospital and provides child and family services, community nursing, podiatry, occupational therapy, dietetics and counselling.

To view the history of the hospital visit: http://www.granvillehistorical.org.au/resources/Granville%20Guardian%202011%20July.pdf