The Sutherland Hospital

After the Second World War the population of Sutherland Shire increased rapidly as many people sought land that was comparatively cheap and close to Sydney.  Businesses developed and thrived in the area and the new shopping centres of Gymea and Kirrawee were established. However infrastructure was slow to keep pace leaving many roads unsurfaced and homes in the area unsewered. The closest public hospital was across the river at Kogarah. Community agitation began for a public hospital to be built within the Sutherland Shire. Fundraising efforts were held throughout the Shire by Hospital Auxiliaries, the Cronulla branch being particularly active with their monthly meetings and activities reported in the Observer .

A public meeting convened by Shire President E.S.Shaw had been held in the Sutherland School of Arts on 9 February 1944 to elect three representatives from each riding to form a Hospital Board of Directors. The Hospital was incorporated on 31 March 1944 and the first meeting held on 2 June 1944. However progress was slow. A ten acre site, Lehane’s Paddock, on the corner of the Kingsway and Kareena Road was selected as a suitable site and the land resumed in January 1946. Tenders were called in March 1947 but not accepted till July 1949.

With great foresight, in 1948,  the Hospital Board considered the ten acres resumed by the Government for the Hospital would in future prove too small. Pressure was brought to bear on the Council to acquire the thirteen acres of land between the hospital site and the railway line. Council decided to borrow the necessary £5,000 for this purpose despite much opposition from those who considered the land purchase should be a Government responsibility.

On Saturday 29 April 1950 Mr  A.J. Williams M.L.A. turned the first sod for the Sutherland Shire Hospital. The small spade so used was later auctioned and purchased by Mr Frank McDowell for £15. Hospital foundations did not commence till early 1952 but by June work was suspended due to the inability to obtain reinforcing steel. Erection began again in June 1953, the foundation stone being set by the Hon. J.J. Cahill on 3 September 1955.  It was not until 25 March 1958 that the Sutherland Hospital was officially opened by the Minister for Health, the Hon. W. Sheahan, who stated that the cost of the Hospital had been “in the vicinity of two million pounds,” and that when fully operational would have 288 beds, 100 of which would be immediately available. He also referred to the “magnificent gift of x-ray equipment given to the hospital by Australian Oil Refineries.”  

The combined district Hospital Auxiliaries together with Rotary, Lions and Apex Clubs conducted a fair in the Hospital grounds on the opening day and raised over £1,000. There were processions from Miranda and Caringbah arranged to arrive for the opening ceremony. Many organisations took part including the R.S.L.,Surf Clubs, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts and St Johns Ambulance Brigade.These processions were led by the Shire Band and the 45^th Battalion Band. The Hurstville Salvation Army Band played in front of the Hospital

At the time of opening the Hospital consisted of five floors. The ground floor was devoted to pathology, x-ray and outpatients, the first floor male wards, the second floor female wards, third floor maternity and the fourth floor was intermediate and private. The accompanying Nurses’ Home was a three storey brick building accommodating 168 nurses in single rooms. There was a large sitting room, also study and writing rooms. A suite was provided for both the matron and deputy matron and quarters for eight resident medical officers.

Between 1961 and 1977, when nurse training transitioned from hospital based training to university training, 528 nurses graduated from the Sutherland District Hospital. A list of these nurses who graduated from Sutherland District Hospital can be accessed and searched for here:

Graduate Nurses from the Sutherland District Hospital 1961--1977