Harvey District Hospital

Statement of Significance

• The place has historic value for its association with the rapid development in the district during the inter-war years as a result of the irrigation works which promoted agriculture
• The place has social value to the community as the hospital has provided ongoing car to the community since 1933
• The hospital and its gardens have aesthetic value as they contribute positively to the streetscape of Harvey Townsite

Physical Description

Single storey range of buildings predominantly of brick construction with red tiled hipped roofs. The original building was constructed in the 1930s, extended in the 1940s with brick and weatherboard additions and subsequently added to over the years. The main building has wide eaves, low roofs, large multi-paned windows and high level windows. The main windows are arranged in a 3x3 arrangement. The main entrance faces onto Hayward Street and has been reconfigured to incorporate aluminium sliding doors, a curved Perspex verandah feature on a timber frame and with ramped access.

The 1930s and 1940s buildings have been added to creating a substantial hospital complex. The more recent structures are also constructed in brick and are of similar scale and density as the earlier structures but are of a different architectural style.

The complex is set within well maintained gardens which provide a colourful and soft contrast to the hard built form of the hospital buildings.

History

The Harvey Hospital was constructed in 1933 and opened on 22 May 1933 by the Minister for Health, Mr W. H. Kitson. In January of that year the foundation stone for the hospital had been laid by Mr C. G. Latham, Minister for Health at that time.

On opening, the hospital consisted of wards for men and women and a maternity ward. The hospital had been erected by public subscription, subsidised on a £1 for £1 basis by the government. The total cost of the building was £2400 and the equipment £400.

The growth of the district in part due to the Harvey Diversion Drainage works and the subsequent expansion of agricultural areas were the reasons for the construction of the hospital at that time.

In 1946, additions were undertaken at the hospital consisting of a small flat for the matron and accommodation for five nurses and four probationers and domestic staff. A small two roomed building was erected for the night staff.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate/ High

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.