Old Outpatients Building, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children

Parent Place or Precinct

05568 Princess Margaret Hospital for Children (fmr), Subiaco

Statement of Significance

The place has historic significance representing the presence of health services in Subiaco and the State during its development and settlement. It has social significance to the community who have used the place for health purposes.

Physical Description

The former Outpatients' building is a single storey timber framed and weatherboard clad building with a CGI roof.

History

The concept for a children's hospital began in 1897. Public fundraising was successful at first, then petered out in 1898, despite the fact that the land had been leased. A govt subsidy was forthcoming in 1906, and the foundation stone was laid for the first portion of the Perth Children's Hospital. The initial plan comprised medical and surgical wards, each for 20 patients, an operating theatre, quarters for nurses and administration buildings. Building of the first wing (Outpatients' Building) commenced in 1909, opening in June. The second stage of buildings were completed in 1913, including Godfrey House. Other additions include an Outpatient's Block (1921), Nurses' Quarters (1927) and Infants' Ward (1938). The hospital was renamed PMH in 1949. In 1961 the Paediatric Unit was built, followed by new outpatients block and main ward in 1964 and 1969. PMH became a public hospital in 1978. Recent buildings include Patient Services (1983) and Charles Moore (1987) buildings. (Ref: Spillman, Ken, Identity Prized: A History of Subiaco, City of Subiaco, UWA Press, 1985, pp. 160-8; Godfrey House Conservation Plan, Heritage & Conservation Professionals, prepared for CAMS May 2001.)
North Subiaco developed as an area for residential and for the provision of community facilities from the early 1900s. The opening of the railway line established Subiaco as an area within close proximity to Perth for investors and as a place for people to settle. With sales by Real estate release common, land near the railway platform was the first to be sold. North of Subiaco Road was released as 'Subiaco Estate' in 1895 and south of Roberts Road (formally Mueller Road) was released in 1896. People settled along either side of the railway line, as the more affordable prices made the land accessible to workers. Recreational facilities with the Municipal Gardens and Subiaco Oval being established for the local Football and Cricket Club also played an important role in attracting residents to the new area. Subiaco became known as the home of hospitals, and health care for the young became accessible with the first wing of a Children's Hospital at the corner of Thomas Road and Meuller Road (now Princess Margaret Hospital) opening in 1909. (Sources: Wise's Post Office Directory 1900-1930; Real Estate Maps, Battye Library Collection; Spillman, Ken Identity Prized: a history of Subiaco, City of Subiaco, UWA Press, 1985, pp.51-75, 160-169.

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