Dumbleyung District Memorial Hospital

Statement of Significance

The Dumbleyung District Hospital has historic and social cultural heritage significance. The hospital and its
medical staff have made an important contribution to the well being of the Dumbleyung District. Since 1925 the hospital has reflected the population growth or decline in Dumbleyung as its services are adjusted to the needs of the community. A study of the history of the hospital shows the changes in rural medical services that is part of a bigger picture of medical services in rural areas throughout Western Australia.

Physical Description

Some of the notable features of this place include:
• Set back from the road on a prominent rise
• Conglomeration of single story buildings erected over different time periods
• Brick and asbestos walls
• Hipped corrugated iron roof
• Landscaping includes a number of native trees with some lawn and manicured flower beds

History

The Dumbleyung District Hospital was opened in November 1925, mainly due to the efforts of the Board of Health for Dumbleyung, which was formed in 1910. In 1914 this Board was taken over by the Dumbleyung Road Board. With years of campaigning, a public meeting was held in 1923 with the decision to obtain a doctor. With the arrival of Dr Lovegrove, plans to build a hospital, as a memorial to Dumbleyung fallen soldiers, started in 1924.

In May 1925, tenders were called for the erection of a brick hospital in Dumbleyung. The successful tender was received from Hoskins Plumbing Works of Narrogin. All bricks were made locally on a property behind the hospital, near Bennett's farm. Local dances and other social events were organised to raise money. Even after the hospital's opening, sports days, Annual Balls and picnics were major fundraising events.

The 2nd September 1925 saw the laying of the Foundation Stone, by Eliza Cronin, as the oldest pioneering woman in the district. Mrs W. Bennett and Mrs I Bairstow were also recognised for their contribution to the district. The hospital was opened in November 1925 with a annual subsidy of I 50 from the Road Board, which saw it as one of the few hospitals out of debt. In 1937, developments were under way to build the Bates Memorial quarters. These were the nurses quarters built in memory of the late Mr C Bates who died in 1936 after serving 13 years as Board Secretary.

By 1941, the increasing draw on Public Health saw the hospital alter from a general hospital, to a cottage hospital. Many changes occurred after this time, including the closing down of the operating theatre in the late 1960s. In 1969 a new wing of four wards was added, and around this time a staff house was built on the site. In 1971 there was an upgrade of the kitchen, which was still in use in 2001. In 1975, a new entrance was built to celebrate the hospital's 50th year. In 1999 a much needed dining/day room was built for patients and day visitors.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate Degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.