Thornlie Child Health Centre

Statement of Significance

The place has historic value for its association with the government policy of providing education and services to mothers in the community. The place has social value for the many mothers who have attended the clinic since its construction in 1963.

Physical Description

The single storey simple rectangular form with full height glazing balanced with full brick façade wall is typical of the residential design of the period and in Thornlie.

History

Interest in mother and child health dates from the turn of the 20th Century when there was much concern about the high levels of maternal and infant mortality. A pilot infant health clinic was established in Perth by the Children's Protection Society around 1920 but it was recognised that a state-wide infant welfare service was needed. The Infant Health Association of Western Australia was formed in 1923 to work in conjunction with the Public Health Department and Infant Health Centres began to be established in metropolitan and rural areas. The work of the Infant Health Nurse included weighing babies, discussing their progress and any problems with their health and development with the mother, and referring sick babies to a doctor or hospital. The Infant Health Centre was seen as an educational institution and one of the main aims of the clinic was to help and teach mothers how to provide for the good health of their infant. After twenty years of operation, statistics showed that the infant mortality rate had been cut by 48%. The establishment of Infant Health Centres continued through the 1950s, in response to the post-war baby boom. The suburb of Thornlie was established in 1954 and developed rapidly. Several shops including a pharmacy were opened in Martindale Ave by 1958 and an Infant Health Centre was soon operating in a room behind the pharmacy. The Infant Health Centre was opened by Dr E. M. Gibson of the Public Health Department on 16 February 1963. A new committee of ‘young married women’ was formed in 1963, to raise money for the facility.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High degree Authenticity: Moderate to high degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

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Last Update