A royal piece of history: See the original ceremonial booklet from Mount Druitt Hospital’s 1982 opening

The 40^th anniversary of Mount Druitt Hospital’s opening is fast approaching, with official celebrations underway on Tuesday, October 11.

During preparations for the event, staff have uncovered a piece of history – the official ceremonial booklet from the original opening event in 1982.

The event was attended by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, and included a police band march, address from the Queen and the Premier, as well as presentation of a plaque to commemorate the opening.

Inside the booklet, there is an address from Minister for Health, The Hon L.J. Brereton MP, which speaks of the landmark opening of the hospital as “a vital move towards equity and social justice for the people of Sydney’s outer western suburbs”.

“The opening of a hospital is always a happy and important occasion for any local community. But the opening of this magnificent new hospital, here in Mount Druitt, is of especial significance,” he writes.

“Above all, the presence of Her Majesty, the Queen, has aided immeasurably to the sense of occasion. Her Majesty’s presence is a signal honour for the people of Mount Druitt.”

This is a sentiment that has been echoed by the Mount Druitt community, with residents sharing tales of the royal visit on a Facebook post commemorating the visit.

“I was one of the many teenagers lined up near Bidwell High School waving at the Queen as she drove through,” Desmond said.

“I was there with my children,” wrote Amanda, “Prince Philip asked one of my sons if he ‘played cricket’. I still have the newspaper noting the event.”

Mount Druitt Hospital was the result of extensive analysis into the booming suburbs of Mount Druitt, Rooty Hill and St Marys in the 1980s. The first patient of the hospital was a Mrs Margaret Adams of Blacktown, who was admitted on September 14.

The hospital opened with 200 beds and now boasts 24-hour emergency service, paediatrics, planned surgery, rehabilitation and palliative care.

Celebrations for the 40^th anniversary have been extended to the Mount Druitt community, with food trucks, a pizza oven, celebratory cupcakes, a mural unveiling, and much more. For more information about the 40^th anniversary event, please click here.