The earliest ‘Gayndah Hospital’ is reported to have been located adjacent to the original Police Station and Court House, which were all once located on Capper Street – just to the east of the Town Centre.
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Details regarding the first hospital are elusive, however the following excerpts confirm the existence of the hospital prior to 1860, and the possibility that it was built prior to Queensland’s separation from New South Wales ?? . . .
” . . . Last week Mr. Ashton’s circus performed here. The entire satisfaction he gave last time when amongst us, procured him each night a very good house, considering that most of the surrounding stations are busy with lambing and shearing. The performance commenced on Wednesday night, and was continued till Saturday. On Friday night Mr. Ashton very kindly gave a benefit to the Hospital, which realised the handsome sum of £30 nett. This act deserves great praise, considering the expense and difficulties Mr. Ashton has to contend with . . . “
Source: Excerpt – ‘The Moreton Bay Courier’ – Article ‘Gayndah (from our Own Correspondent.) Gayndah, October 6, 1860.’ – published 13th October 1860
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” . . . Three patients were admitted, during the last month, in the hospital – 1 pauper and 2 pay patients ; discharged – 1 pay ; remaining – 2 pauper and 1 pay.
Source: Excerpt – ‘The Moreton Bay Courier’ – Article ‘Gayndah (from our Own Correspondent.) Gayndah, November 10, 1860.’ – published 17th November 1860
The original hospital served the community until the 17th October 1921, when the beautiful new hospital that we see today, was opened.
Relocated to a hilltop just over 1 km away from the town centre; the new, north facing hospital, overlooked its gardens, the town below, and the views incorporating the beautiful scenery in the distance. The cement rendered walls cover a timber structure which was set on concrete stumps. The sizable roof, which is clad in corrugated iron, includes the fantastic, large verandah.
In a time before artificial air-conditioning, the design of the hospital had to incorporate all possible natural benefits.
The orientation to the north, together with the large, wide verandahs maximised the shade from the Sun during the Summer; whilst welcoming the sunshine during the Winter months.
Every room had direct access to the verandah via a pair of French Doors. The hilltop location coupled with the orientation maximised the breezes, and, the ventilation within the verandah roof was designed to capture and remove the rising heat.
There was, and still is, ample room on the verandah for recuperating patients to enjoy the fresh air and the views – the large garden is perfect for a bit of exercise and meditation.
Visiting the site is truly like stepping back in time.
Thankfully, though greatly extended, this building is still a working hospital to this very day, and will hopefully remain so into the distant future . . .
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Helpful Hints:
– Close proximity to Town Centre – obtain Directions here
– A Car Park is available to service the Hospital
– Other Historical POI’s in Gayndah
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- Sealed Road