120 years of Murbah Hospital

CELEBRATION was in the air when around 100 people attended the 120th birthday of Murwillumbah District Hospital on Saturday.

One of the longest-serving former CEOs, Des Ireland, cut the cake with the Northern NSW Local Health District chief executive Tracey Maisey.

Other guests included the NNSWLHD Board Chair Peter Carter, and Dr Doug Warne, a long-standing local GP who worked at the hospital over the years.

MDH Executive Director and Director of Nursing Tracey Lea said the week of celebration had been a chance to celebrate the local connections and long history of the hospital.

“I am thrilled to celebrate this remarkable milestone that reflects our long-standing commitment to providing exceptional healthcare to our community,” Lea said.

A community BBQ added to the spirit of celebrating 120 years of Murwillumbah’s local hospital. Photo: SUPPLIED

“This anniversary is not only a celebration of our history but also a tribute to the many generations of healthcare professionals who have worked tirelessly to serve our community with compassion and excellence.”

With two committees and a Board of Trustees formed in 1899, a 15-acre site, and a government grant of $500, the community raised the balance of $1114 for the building costs.

The Tweed Cottage Hospital was officially opened on 20 May 1904 with a three-bed ward for males, a two-bed ward for females, a matron’s room, a wardsman’s room, laundry and offices.

Demand increased, and strong public support for the hospital included many fundraising activities, such as the annual hospital ball.

In 1910, the hospital was renamed the Tweed District Hospital, and the Hospital Auxiliary was later formed in 1926.

The 8-bed male ward at Tweed Cottage Hospital in 1908. Photo: RON JOHANSEN PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION

A new three-story brick building designed for 93 patients opened in 1939, and included the rare feature of an electric elevator.

In 1972, the hospital was renamed Murwillumbah District Hospital, and a new wing opened in 1975, providing emergency, x-ray, pathology, physiotherapy, extra theatres, intensive care, recovery and a central sterilising department. The assessment and rehabilitation ward opened in 1997.

The hospital now provides vital services such as ED, inpatient care, palliative care, chemotherapy, renal dialysis, low complexity day surgeries, and outpatient and rehabilitation services.

For more information, visit nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/hospitals/murwillumbah-district-hospital