On 12th September 1945 a meeting attended by 60-70 subscribers was held to expand the Fred Billings joined the Bush Nursing size of the inaugural committee. At this time Hospital Committee in 1940. In 1944 he was it was also decided that the new hospital an inaugural member of the Provisional 1945 should be known as the and District 1944 Community Hospital Committee set up to Memorial Community Hospital in honour of raise funds for the new hospital. those who had died in World War II. To start the fund off a meeting was held in The inaugural committee members were: the Hall, where 29 people and a dog attended. Each farm was asked to provide CHAIR £10 and each household £5. When asked to W McMaster-Smith W O’Meara make the donations and start the appeal T McMaster-Smith E Vaughan A History “all raised their hands ... and even the dog G Herriot F Bennett barked”, Fred said of the beginning of this C Anstey F Billings district’s community spirit in raising money M Lyle B Smith for the hospital. of Kyabram G Markham C Vary W Barrot J Watt In 1960 Mr Billings was a member of the P Olle R Davies inaugural Committee of the Kyabram and District Health V Noble Drs Crick & Bossence District Memorial Community Hospital and E Halliday Mesdames Robinson & served until his retirement in 1971, at which C Hill Bennett time he was made a Life Governor of the J Grahame W Kirwan hospital. Service

Many people have Beginning as a Bush Nursing contributed to the Hospital, the service was renamed the Kyabram and District Memorial development of the After many years of deputations and letter Community Hospital when it writing to Government Ministers and the wonderful Health opened in 1960. In 2002, as Hospitals and Charities Commission, on Service we enjoy in services expanded, it was renamed Remembrance Sunday, November 1958, Kyabram today. Kyabram and District Health a crowd of about 1,000 gathered for a Services. To many people in the Foundation Plaque Ceremony. The plaque community it is simply inscription read “Kyabram District Memorial “The Hospital”. Community Hospital Foundation Plaque laid It is impossible to recognise all by Councillor William McMaster-Smith, 9th of the contributors to the health November, 1958.” service over the years. We have The event was described in the Free Press recognised Board Members, as “epoch making”. Cr McMaster-Smith said Managers/CEOs, Life Governors, that “for the first time in the district’s history, Matrons and Doctors with more the hospital will be in a position to care for than 10 years service, as well as public patients. In the past some of the oldest some of our very generous donors and greatest citizens had been forced to go to and volunteers. public hospitals in other towns for treatment.” Our information has been sourced At the conclusion of the ceremony an from hospital records, Kyabram inspection of the hospital buildings, which 1933 Free Press articles, and Historical were under construction, was made by the Society records. large crowd. They were greatly impressed by the magnitude of the undertaking.

On 29th July 1933 the Kyabram Bush Nursing Hospital was officially opened.

Initially there were three wards of eight beds. Within just one year of opening there were an 1958 additional six beds on the verandah. 1930 Mr Sawers said “Such a hospital was for people of limited means (who, in those days, were many) and who were too proud and too independent to accept treatment at a public hospital.”

Members paid a subscription fee as well as a treatment fee for each week of treatment.

The war years saw difficult times for all and The first committee for the Kyabram Bush the hospital was worked to capacity. Plans Nursing Hospital was formed. soon began for a new hospital. PRESIDENT J A Finlay

VICE PRESIDENTS C Roper and J B Sawers

SECRETARY W J Wood 1964 1960 1960

BED TYPE MALE FEMALE MATERNITY CHILDREN TOTAL Public 2 1 1 1 5

Intermediate 9 5 11 2 27 President of the RSL, On 27th March 1960 the 26-bed Kyabram and District Memorial Community Semi-private and private 2 2 4 0 8 Mr R Meldrum, unveiled Hospital was officially opened. Total 13 8 16 3 40 the Honour Board. The tendered cost of the new hospital was over £200,000. Lest We Forget

1960

⸺ ⸺ Committee Members Managers

1945-1960 Mr V Noble 1960-1962 Mr G W Rabach 1945-1968 Mr T McMaster-Smith 1963-1967 Mr K Smith 1963 1945-1972 Mr F Billings 1967-1982 Mr R J Thrussell 1945-1973 Mr W McMaster-Smith 1945-1979 Mr J M Lyle 1947-1960 Mr G Brown-Grahame ⸺ 1948-1968 Mr F Lewry Matron 1948-1970 Dr L J Price 1948-1973 Mr J H Brown 1960-1973 Miss F M Wallis 1948-1996 Mr T J Tehan 1951-1960 Mr G Fraser 1954-1960 Mr W Reid ⸺ In January 1963 the hospital kiosk was 1955-1960 Mr R Isaac Doctors opened. The kiosk was open during hospital 1956-1960 Mr H Gorr visiting hours and staffed by auxiliary 1956-1960 Mr F Spicer 1960-1966 Dr T G Baker members and volunteers. 1956-1967 Mr F Patterson 1960-1974 Dr L J Price 1956-1973 Mr A G McCormick 1960-1976 Dr W A Bossence 1957-1960 Mr J Rafter 1960-1976 Dr F Buchanan 1957-1963 Mr L Williams 1964-1975 Dr I L Page 1959-1963 Mr E Judd 1965-1990 Dr P Tisdall 1959-1963 Mr J McKenzie-Warren 1960-1963 Mr S Moller 1961-1979 Mr R W Crow ⸺ 1963-1999 Mr W Brewster Life Governors 1964-1965 Mr I McIntosh 1964-1973 Mr D W Lawton Ladies Auxiliary 1964-1975 Mr R W Grosvenor Uncle Bob’s Club 1965-1972 Mr C Judd Mr Tom McMaster-Smith 1966-1973 Mr R F Eagle Mr Freeman Lewry 1968-1974 Mr E McMaster-Smith 1968-1975 Mr D C Hilton

Inaugural Office Bearers and Committee (1961)

Back: L Williams, A G McCormick, T J Tehan, S Moller, F Patterson, R Crow, J McKenzie-Warren, J M Lyle Front: J H Brown, G W Rabach, W McMaster-Smith, Sr F M Wallis, T W McMaster-Smith, F Billings 1969 1968 1965

Number of Births 1960s

300

250 270 268 236 244 200 224 234 202 209 150

100 A new 14-bed wing was opened on

50 The Hospital Fete was a major fundraising event run by the Ladies 24th October 1965. This additional wing was 0 Auxiliary, starting as a garden party in 1961. This became an annual opened free of debt due to the generosity of 1961/62 1962/63 1964/65 1965/66 1966/67 1967/68 1968/69 1969/60 event held on the third Friday in November and ran for 50 years. the people of Kyabram and districts.

In 1966 a children’s ward was opened.

The hospital received a donation of $3,311 from the Kyabram branch of the Uncle Bob’s Club, which was supplemented by a government grant of $4,339. The whole of these sums was spent on completely equipping and furnishing the children’s ward and purchasing specialised equipment for the medical and surgical care of patients. At the time it was likely the best equipped hospital for treatment of children outside the metropolitan area.

The Uncle Bob’s Club continued its financial support of the hospital over many years. In 1968 the club was honoured with a Life Nursing staff (1967) Governor’s Award.

Back: A J Clark, Sister I Sekular, W McDonald, J Aylward, M Hardinge, P Hayes, M Wood, D Rowston, J Payne Pictured: Nurse Loretta Partington, young patient Garry Hall and Front: E Westwood, Sister H Mulquiny, Matron F M Wallis, Sister M Bauerle, S Stevens the TV provided by the Uncle Bob’s Club

How to wash STEP 1 1969 and dry a Prepare cold water starch or raw starch nurse’s veil made with 3 heaped tablespoons of Robin 1966 brand starch, dissolved in 600ml tepid water. Lather small amount Velvet soap into the mix to give extra gloss and to prevent iron sticking to veil.

STEP 2 Francis Wallis Dip dry veil into starch ensuring material is soaked evenly. Gently wring by hand to The District Nursing Service was started remove excess solution. Francis Wallis was Matron of the Matron Wallis retired in 1973. in 1969. The service gave nurses a new STEP 3 Kyabram Bush Nursing Hospital for In 1985 the Midwifery wing was professional role with real autonomy and Wrap veil in a clean cloth to mop extra 7 years from 1953-1960. named the Francis Wallis Wing significant authority. The service was led by moisture out. Iron article with a moderate in her honour. The Francis Wallis Sister Mercia Edwards, using a car funded In 1960 she was appointed Matron to hot iron until dry. Wing was demolished in 2012 for by various community organisations, and of the new Kyabram and District the Health and Wellbeing Centre proved to be a great success. It is a very STEP 4 Memorial Community Hospital. development. important service that is still operating to Make the veil up being careful not to crease. this day. Pictured: Sister Helen Devine 1977 1972

⸺ ⸺ Committee Members Managers

1971-1976 Dr W Bossence 1967-1982 Mr R J Thrussell 1971-1977 Mr K J Fitzsimmons 1976 1972 1971-1997 Mrs L N King 1973-1975 Mr C Coventry ⸺ By 1977 the Kyabram and District Memorial Meals on Wheels started operating from the 1973-1977 Mr R J MacLennan Matron Community Hospital had grown to offer 66 hospital. The Rotary Club of Kyabram was a 1973-1979 Mr A M Rowlands hospital beds and employ 86 staff members. huge support for this long overdue service. 1974-1977 Mr C J Castles 1973-1980 Miss M P Hayes 1975-1978 Mr R S Sloane 1975-1976 Mr I C Haslem 1975-1979 Mr P Gladman ⸺ 1975-1988 Mr B Ruler Doctors 1976-1978 Mr J Pilley After various negotiations with the Hospital and In 1972 the 20-bed A G Hutchinson Home 1976-1979 Mr D C Hilton 1974-1985 Dr P O’Brien Charities Commission it was decided that the for the Aged was officially opened. It was 1976-1980 Mr C Coventry 1975-2002 Dr J Frost hospital should provide its own x-ray service. The so named after the generous donation of 1976-1980 Dr P O’Brien 1977- Dr M McQueen Thomson Commission met the full $29,000 purchase cost $30,000 by A G Hutchinson. 1976-1982 Mr F Wooller 1978-1994 Dr S Hanslow

of the equipment. The service was immediately Pictured: Sir John McEwen and Arthur G Hutchinson 1978-1989 Dr P T Tisdall financially self-sufficient and very busy. 1974 1979-1980 Mr I C Haslem 1979-1983 Mr L Damaschino ⸺ 1979-1985 Mrs N Bear Life Governors 1979-1987 Mr A Knyvett Mr Fred Billings Mr J H Brown Mr A G McCormack Matron Francis Wallace Mr A G Hutchinson Mr Bill McMaster-Smith Mr Fred Wooller 1978

In 1978 the midwifery facilities were expanded In 1976 a new operating table and infant Snippets from Patients were allowed to smoke in their to meet the growing needs of the community. resuscitator were purchased for the hospital. Eva Glover rooms. One doctor even smoked on his This year saw 208 babies born in the hospital. rounds. This purchase was made possible by the A phototherapy unit was donated by the Uncle fundraising efforts of the Ladies Auxiliary, who Oranges were picked from the hospital Bob’s Club in 1980, enabling jaundiced babies bottled pears and tomatoes to sell to raise the gardens and patients received freshly to be treated locally, rather than being sent to required funds (pictured). 1972 squeezed orange juice every day. . Laundry was washed daily and hung on five or six large clothes lines.

Snippets from One day I was greeted at the front door of Margaret Chalker the hospital by a man covered in blood. When I enquired what happened, the man Number of Births 1970s said he had been attacked by a lion! He

300 then went on to explain he was from a

250 275 275 circus that was showing in town at the time.

200 235 234 201 208 In another incident, a man came into the 197 197 191 150 189 1976 In 1972 the Cardiac Care Unit was opened. The hospital carrying a bucket, claiming he had 100 Lion’s Club of Kyabram donated $2,420 for this been bitten by a tiger snake. He had the 50 unit to support the “rapidly increasing” need snake, which was still alive in the bucket. 0 1970/71 1971/72 1972/73 1973/74 1974/75 1975/76 1976/77 1977/78 1978/79 1979/80 for cardiac care in the community. 1985 1983 1981 In 1981 Span, the Junior Hospital Auxiliary, was formed.

The Span Charity Ball and the Cup Day Luncheon at Willowmere were highlights among several social functions organised each year. Other fundraisers included a chicken drive, a peanut brittle drive and a knitwear parade, which all members supported “by either selling, making, or buying”.

In 1985 the hospital celebrated its silver The group successfully raised approximately anniversary. Housekeeping report: $11,000 to provide equipment for the hospital. 1985 1982 Their largest gift to the hospital was a cardiac Notable contributors to the development “For the first time men were employed in monitor in 1983, valued at $7,855. of the hospital were honoured at that time. the department and they have assisted They included Bill McMaster-Smith and us greatly in the cleaning of windows and Unfortunately, the Span Auxiliary disbanded in Matron Francis Wallis. other heavy work.” 1984 due to a decline in membership.

A major kitchen upgrade worth $120,000 was In 1982 the Day Hospital officially opened. completed in 1985. New catering equipment The Day Hospital aimed to provide family included a gas cooking range, convection oven, relief as well as promote and maintain the convection steamer, stainless steel benching, independence of people who were physically, bain marie, hot press, tray slide, waste disposal psychologically or socially disabled, through 1985 unit and a new autoplas food distribution either therapeutic or social activities. Additional system. staffing had not been possible for the Day Hospital, but with the support from community volunteers, it provided an efficient and effective extended care service.

This service included physiotherapy, occupational therapy, welfare services, hairdressing and nursing care as required. ⸺ ⸺ Board Members CEOs In 1985 several changes occurred in the McMaster-Smith Wing, among these were 1980-1984 Dr J C Frost 1982-1988 Brendan Lourey the much awaited ablution block. During 1980-1986 Mr J Lally 1988-1991 Greg Pullen this project there were only three bathrooms 1980-1999 Mr P Hann available for all the patients. This, at times, 1982-1986 Dr B Cockroft put a lot of pressure on the nursing staff (the 1982-2000 Mr P Kelliher ⸺ daily average occupancy of the ward was 31 1984-1987 Mrs E Page Matron patients, which was 68% of capacity). 1985-1998 Mr S Muir-Smith 1987-1988 Mr K Myers 1980-2000 Jan Boyle 1987-1997 Mr E Scott-MacKenzie 1987-1999 Mrs J Stone 1988-1990 Mrs H Caldwell ⸺ 1988-1991 Mr P Commons Doctors 1989-1990 Mrs A Ratcliffe 1989-1993 Dr S Kennon 1981-1987 Dr I L Page 1984-2011 Dr B Moore 1984- Dr P Hool 1983 1983 1987- Dr R Brun ⸺ Life Governors

Mr Tom Tehan Pat Hayes Mr Bill Brewster Mrs Lesley King

During the year the hospital received two Pat Hayes was born and raised particularly interested in care for considerable monetary allocations to further in Kyabram. She worked at the the aged. develop services. The Kyabram Country Kyabram Cannery before putting Pat was a person with vision and Women’s Association donated $15,000 for herself through nurses training Redevelopment within the hospital was dedication. She was a committed the proposed extension of 20 nursing home and returning to work at the ongoing to ensure that quality of care and initiator. In 1987 the Day Hospital beds, while a bequest of the late E A Forrest Kyabram Hospital in 1960. financial viability were maintained. During was named the Pat Hayes Centre was used to provide new facilities for the 1983 a new bulk store and linen exchange Pat was Matron at the hospital in her honour. children of the hospital. The Parents Room were completed, which improved the from 1973 to 1979 and was was named after E A Forrest. operation of these areas greatly.

Artwork by staff member Mrs Glenda Cornell “I don’t think we will ever be able to adequately express our gratitude to the Ladies Auxiliary for the splendid work they do on behalf of this hospital. So much of the equipment and furnishings in use today has been purchased 1989 1985 through their generous contributions. We appreciate the many hours spent in the Kiosk, the Opportunity Shop, the Fete and other functions and thank them and the members of the community who support them.”

Mrs L King, Board President 1985

The Quiet Room at the A G Hutchinson Home was completed with the support of women from various local church groups who generously furnished both this Quiet Room and another within the hospital.

1989 Voluntary Accreditation 1988 Over a two-day period all aspects of hospital service and practice were rigorously examined. It was a traumatic time for many as the hospital had been unsuccessful on the last two occasions when presenting for survey in the late 1970s. On this occasion the hospital gained a three-year accreditation status.

The Certificate of Accreditation is a public symbol that the facility has voluntarily sought to be measured against the Council’s standards for quality patient care, and has been found to be in compliance with them. The achievement recognised that the hospital was one of the finest of its size in the A generous anonymous donation of $25,000 state ‒ in terms of building fabric, equipment, enabled the purchase of a specially fitted facilities and staff expertise. bus for the Pat Hayes Centre.

Tom Tehan 1989 1988 William (Bill) McMaster-Smith Thomas Joseph Tehan was first Mr Tehan worked tirelessly for appointed to the Committee of the 10 years to secure government There were more births at Kyabram hospital Bill McMaster-Smith was President In 1958, he unveiled a foundation Kyabram Bush Nursing Hospital in funding for much needed nursing than most other hospitals of comparable size of the Committee of the Kyabram plaque for the new hospital. 1948. He served on the inaugural home beds. across the state. Bush Nursing Hospital for 21 years. Committee of the Kyabram and He was President of the new He received a Life Governorship District Memorial Community From 1944 to 1960 he chaired a Hospital Committee from 1960-62 in 1985. Hospital. Number of Births 1980s Committee established to raise and then served as a Committee In 1988 the Board announced that local funds for a new Kyabram Member until his retirement in 1973. Mr Tehan was Committee 300 the new wing of the nursing home 250 and District Memorial Community President from 1963-1973, a In 1973 he was made a Life would be named the Tehan Wing in 200 Hospital and to ensure that Government Nominee between The long awaited new 10-bed wing of the nursing 192 191 189 195 192 Governor of the hospital and his honour. 150 181 179 176 promises made by successive 1973 and 1975, and Treasurer home was opened. As far back as 1975 the waiting 163 161 in 1985 the general wing of the 100 governments to assist with its from 1973-1991. In total he served list for the A G Hutchinson Home had been closed hospital was named the McMaster- 50 funding were honoured. the hospital on the Committee when it reached 170 applicants. The new wing was Smith Wing in his honour. 0 and the Board for 49 years. named the Tehan Wing, in honour of Tom Tehan. 1980/81 1981/82 1982/83 1983/84 1984/85 1985/86 1986/87 1987/88 1988/89 1989/90 1993 In 1993 a gas co-generation plant was 1993 commissioned. The unit would generate all the hospital’s peak electricity supply and also utilise the waste heat from the engine module to provide all the hospital space heating By 1993, 151 people were employed at the and domestic hot water requirements. The Kyabram and District Memorial Community installation was expected to save $40,000 per Hospital. annum. In 1994-95 the net benefit of the plant was $92,579. In 1997-98 it was $79,663. The success of the hospital was due to ⸺ ⸺ the tremendous efforts and ongoing Board Members CEOs The plant was decommissioned in 2003. By commitment of the talented staff, and then, the co-generator had achieved its their co-operative approach to meeting the 1990-1996 Mrs M Stack 1988-1991 Greg Pullen 10-year projected greenhouse savings for the challenge of a rapidly changing environment. 1990-2000 Mr S Lowe 1991-2000 Alwyn Gallina environment. Feasibility studies revealed that 1991-1997 Mr G McKenzie it was not viable to continue to operate the The Board recognised the valuable 1994-2002 Dr B Moore co-generator as there were no cost savings to contribution of the Red Cross Ladies, visiting 1996-1999 Ms H Bell ⸺ the hospital. However, the co-generator was still chaplains and the work of community service 1996-2010 Mr R Tuhan Doctors used as a standby generator. programs. 1997-1999 Mr P Godfrey 1997-2001 Mrs S Tutt 1992-2015 Dr J Young 1997-2012 Mr D Crow 1993-2011 Dr P Tisdall 1999-2007 Mrs C Curnow

⸺ The Ladies Auxiliary ... The Jewel in the Crown, Life Governors celebrated 60 years service to the Kyabram Hospital in 1993 – from the first non private Kyabram Free Press (Mr Ian Purdey) cottage hospital in 1933, to the current hospital. Mr Ewan Scott-McKenzie In 1961 the Auxiliary raised the princely sum of 34 Mr Sid Muir-Smith pounds, 3 shillings and sixpence from a successful Mrs Jenni Stone fete in the hospital grounds. In 1992 the fete raised over $12,000 adding to a combined total of over $250,000 in the previous 30 years.

It is only through the Auxiliary’s assistance that the hospital was able to provide new medical equipment, such as the operating table purchased in 1992 by the Auxiliary for $35,000, without using the hospital’s operating budget.

This assistance enabled the hospital to use it’s limited resources to provide services that otherwise may not have been able to be offered 1993 and ensured that the high standards the hospital 1993 was renowned for was maintained.

Pictured L-R: Ladies Auxiliary members Christine Jones, Joan Clark, Betty Olle, Dot Rowston and Phyllis Stokes

In April 1993 a dedicated group of staff and community members participated in the Betty Olle 520km Woody’s Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay. They gained generous sponsorship from the community, rode from to Port Fairy and Betty had a strong connection raised over $14,000 for the hospital. These funds with this health service for 1990 provided much needed capital for hospital over 50 years, commencing improvements. Every year for 15 of the 16 as a midwife in 1965. Betty On the 13th June the hospital received one of years the event ran, one or two teams put in started volunteering with ten WorkCare Prevention Awards presented an enormous effort to run fundraising events the Kyabram Hospital Ladies by the Minister for Labour, the Hon Neil before they took to the road in April. They Auxiliary while she was still Pope MP. The award recognised the initiative endured all types of weather over the years. working and researched and of the hospital’s Environmental Services wrote the publication Ladies Department in designing, in consultation Overall, more than $150,000 was raised to Auxiliary: A History 1933-1993. purchase equipment for every section of the with relevant staff, a hydraulic drop side health service. In 1995 and 2004, $15,000 was Betty was the President and laundry trolley. raised, which was the most raised in a single Secretary of the Auxiliary The Regional Manager for the Department year. over a number of years. She of Labour Michael Evans said “This is the first will be remembered for her Pictured (L-R) back: Bill Johnson, Ken Wilson, Gerald Angelino, time a regional hospital has been recognised Andrea Morgan. Front: Jenny Boak, Heather Wilson, Raelene Johnson, outstanding dedication and by this prestigious award and the staff of Wendy Stokes, Meg Johnson, Sabrina Smythe, Russell Morgan. commitment to the health Sitting: Rosemary Britton. Kyabram Hospital should be congratulated for service. its achievement”.

Pictured: Russell Hickey A major fundraising appeal that was established in 1995 to raise funds to upgrade the acute wing of the hospital wound down in 1996. Ewan Scott McKenzie initially chaired the fundraiser and Sid Muir-Smith later took his place. They organised many others to 1995 personally approach community members for donations.

The Appeal resulted in pledges of $1.43 million towards the acute hospital redevelopment program. This figure continued to grow with new pledges. The Kyabram Kamikaze Ball committee staged Mr Muir-Smith related the story of the day their 10th Annual Ball during the 1994-95 year, where a person from opened the fundraising over $55,000 to go towards local appeal office door, placed a pledge envelope charities, clubs and benevolent organisations. containing $2 on the floor and left without The hospital was delighted to have been chosen being seen. Sid commented that was how as a beneficiary and was presented with a the appeal had run, “it had not been the 1996 donation of $20,000 to put toward the Stage 1 size of the donations ... but it had been the works of the Master Plan redevelopment. This willingness of people to give”. was the second donation of over $15,000 that the committee had made to the hospital during the previous 5 years.

1995

The Hospital Auxiliary donated $100,000 By 1995 Kyabram and District Memorial to enable the purchase of a colour Community Hospital provided 46 acute doppler ultrasound. The new equipment beds. Services included surgical, medical resulted in an increase of 27% in obstetric and ancillary services for inpatient care and vascular ultrasounds performed and rehabilitation, diagnostic, accident and during the year. 1995 emergency and community health services. The Auxiliary donated a total of $140,000 The 30-bed Kyabram Nursing Home is an in 1996. extended care facility providing nursing Pictured: Robert Melverton, sonographer unknown facilities for aged and disabled persons.

In 1995 the hospital was the successful tenderer for the ’s $300,000 Meals on Lesley King Wheels service contract to Echuca. On 28 June 1996 Kyabram Hospital served its 100,000th meal for the financial year. Food In 1997 the Kyabram Hospital included patient care review, 1996 Services Manager Mark Rogerson, along with 22 1995 suffered a tragic loss with the finance, project control group, hard working food services staff, produced every sudden death of Lesley King and house and works, and fundraising one of the 100,000 meals. This included 23,000 her husband Ken. committees. Meals on Wheels portions served in Echuca.

Mrs King was the first woman to Lesley was also a tireless The contract ceased in 1999, however in 2000 be elected to the Hospital Board. contributor on the Hospital Ladies the hospital was again contracted to supply She was a valued and respected Auxiliary for more than 40 years. Meals on Wheels to Kyabram. member of the Board for 24 years Lesley was awarded Life Governor and was President of the Board Pictured: Mark Rogerson and Joan Todd In 1995 Kyabram Rotary Club President, Neville in 1988, truly reflecting her from 1985-1988. Dickson, presented the CEO, Alwyn Gallina, with outstanding contribution to the a cheque for $14,500. This was the hospital’s Her wealth of experience from hospital. share of funds raised at the Rotary Dinner within the business sector and The Birthing Suite was renamed Auction. This brought the total sum received by her wonderful feel for community the Lesley King Birthing Suite in the hospital from Rotary’s Dinner Auctions to issues, enabled Lesley to be an honour of Mrs King’s significant over $60,000. instrumental member of numerous contribution made as a community, hospital committees. These A delighted Mr Gallina said the money would be Board and Auxiliary member. used in the acute building redevelopment. Stage 1 of a two-stage acute hospital redevelopment was completed in June 1996, ahead of schedule and only marginally over 1999 budget. Total expenditure was $3.1 million 1996 and included a master television and video system and a new telephone system, which were not included in the initial costings.

The redevelopment provided: • A new 40-bed ward unit, which provided single and twin room accommodation with ensuites • A new six-bed day procedures unit for patients undertaking day surgery • Two new birthing rooms within a modern birthing suite In 1999 the first graduate nurse program 1998 • A fully equipped four-bed high dependency began. Graduate nurses would rotate through unit theatre and be exposed to all aspects of the operating theatre and the accident and • Significant functional improvements for emergency department. nursing, medical and support staff

Number of Births 1990s In October 1988 the Stanhope and District Community 300 Care Centre became West Goulburn Community 250 Health Services. A community nurse was seconded 200 240 214 207 207 202 201 191 188 198 from Kyabram Hospital to the West Goulburn team. 150 182 100 Kyabram Hospital also began providing administrative 50 support such as payroll, finance and maintenance. 1996 0 1990/91 1991/92 1992/93 1993/94 1994/95 1995/96 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 In 1997-98 West Goulburn Community Health Services In 1996 St John of God onsite Pathology joined with Kyabram Hospital. This was the first step in services began. In 1999, the hospital saw a boom in The in-house laundry department a more uniform and coordinated approach to primary Instead of having a visiting pathology the numbers of babies born in one was deluged by nappies and was also health care within the district. Early Childhood service every fortnight, a round the clock week. Midwife Anne Ryall was at a at pains to keep up with the linen for Intervention Services also commenced at Stanhope. service including blood bank was available loss to explain the sudden burst of the birthing suits. for patients to use. The service employed births at the Kyabram Hospital. In 1998-99 the core role of West Goulburn Community Anne Ryall was a midwife at the Health Services was health promotion in schools, three full time local staff. The benefit was In the space of six short days the hospital from 1977-2004. Anne’s industry and the community. immediate, with many patients having their hospital delivered a staggering 12 nursing career was cut short as a result antibiotics changed within 12 hours when babies – bringing the total births at of a terminal illness that took her life Over time, the name changed to Community Health problems arose. the hospital for the month to 15. in 2006. A much loved member of staff, Stanhope and then to Stanhope Health. Additional services were provided to the Anne was renowned for her dedication Thirteen boys and two girls, The Stanhope community has always been involved in private general practitioners in Kyabram and to health care, demonstrating this regular meetings to oversee the service. 1998 along with a set of twins born in as well as Kyabram Nursing Home, by providing an annual bequest for a Melbourne, stretched the resources Pictured back: Christine Owen (Principal Stanhope Primary School), Peter Tongala Aged Care Complex, Warramunda Nursing Excellence Award. Abraham (CEO KDHS), Alan Londey, Owen Wallace, Rob Hill, Howard Pascoe. of a number of departments at the Pictured front: Alice Bourke (Community Health Nurse, Stanhope Health), Village and West Goulburn Community Health Pictured: Midwife Wendy Thomas hospital. Cynthia Downing, Ruth Green (Stanhope Health). Services in Stanhope.

Towards the end of 1997 general surgeons Dr Tony Heinz and Dr Bruce Tulloh expressed interest in performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery (gall bladder removal) at Kyabram. 1999 1998 The hospital felt that such surgery being 1997 performed locally would be of great benefit to the community and purchased $24,000 worth of The 1997 Fete was a great success with specialised equipment in order for the surgery $14,000 raised for the hospital. to be performed. The Ladies Auxiliary gathered together a The first operation of this type at the hospital wide range of goodies from kitchens around was performed in February 1998. the town – baking over 100 christmas cakes, puddings and more than 100 tins of shortbread for their popular stalls.

A barbecue, strawberries and cream, hot dogs, hot potatoes, sliced lamb rolls, At the completion of its first full year in sandwiches, drinks and ice cream were also operation, the Day Procedure Unit had seen available to tempt the taste buds. 707 patients through the department. These figures represented an average of 4.9 patients The Police Pipe Band and Captain through the department for each of the 144 Koala were also on hand to entertain the days it was open. crowd. Dr Cam Wight

Dr Cam Wight undertook a locum practice 2004 in Kyabram in 1893 and commenced his 2002 full-time practice the following year. In those early pioneering days he provided all the medical, veterinary and pharmacy services for the district. He chose to remain in Kyabram providing dedicated The 12-bed western wing of the nursing home, service and tireless support for many which was designed specifically for dementia community organisations until his death residents, was opened in 2004. Residents in 1928. ⸺ ⸺ responded positively to the continuity In July 1999 the operating suite was In 2002 the Kyabram Regional Clinic building Board Members CEOs of permanent staff, who knew individual named the Dr Cam Wight Operating was purchased and redeveloped. This was residents’ needs, caring for them every day. Suite. A generous bequest made by Dr seen as an important factor in recruiting 2000-2007 Ms H Bell 2000-2004 Wayne Sullivan Built at a cost of $1.3 million, and funded Wight’s daughter, the late Mrs Margaret and retaining doctors to the community. 2000-2007 Mr J Neale 2005-2012 Neil Cowen entirely by KDHS, this facility greatly increased (Peg) Billings, in memory of her father, Its proximity to the health service was 2000-2009 Mr B Kerr capacity to provide nursing home care for facilitated the development of the critical for ease of access during medical 2000-2017 Mrs M Atkins our community and reduced the pressure operating suite. emergencies and for access to radiology and 2000-2017 Mrs J Courtney ⸺ on acute beds. This facility also provided pathology. The total budget for this project 2001-2007 Mrs J Breen Life Governors Pictured: Fred and Peg Billings employment for an additional seven staff. was in excess of $660,000. 2001-2008 Mr T Hansen 2001-2016 Mr M Sweeney Mr Peter Hann 2002-2007 Ms J Riley 2006-2009 Mrs S Tutt 2006-2010 Mr B Prideaux 2006-2018 Ms J Greer 2007-2010 Mr J Burrows On the 26th January the second stage of the Kyabram 2008-2010 Mr J Elborough and District Community Memorial Hospital’s 2008-2013 Mr B Norton redevelopment was officially opened by the Victorian Minister for Health and Acting Premier, John Thwaites.

The theatre complex, accident and emergency, recovery and kiosk had been completed in line with expectations and within budget.

More than 300 people turned out on a warm and perfect day to witness the official opening, along with the planting of a lone pine seedling and the dedication of three hospital wards.

As part of the opening, the dedications of the hospital wards were read by former long serving hospital board member and Life Governor Bill Brewster, current hospital board member Peter Hann and 2001 hospital president Doug Crow. Pictured top: Bill Brewster, Peter Hann, Doug Crow, Neil Repacholi, John Thwaites MP. Pictured bottom L-R: Peter Hann addresses the crowd. A lone pine seedling was planted by Kyabram Legacy vice president Roy Watt, nurses Marlene Kerwin and Margaret Chalker and Kyabram Legatee Bob Drysdale.

Pictured L-R: Justin Sullivan, Beryl Fidler, Sue Walker, Maree Sing, Denise McCormack, Tracey Reid, Dr Jeremy Frost

2002 2000

Charlie Grummitt The Campaspe Early Childhood Intervention Service (CECIS) commenced.

Mr Charlie Grummitt believed in The hospital used its share to CECIS provides services for children up to giving back to the community upgrade heart monitors in the six years old with developmental delay or which supported him so high dependency room, providing disability and provides support and training generously over the years. That a higher level of heart monitoring for families. giving back involved several care. The services provided for children include generous donations to the The high dependency unit was In 2002 the name of the hospital changed to physiotherapy, occupational therapy and hospital. 2000 named in Mr Grummitt’s honour. Kyabram and District Health Services (KDHS). speech pathology. Families benefit through In 2000 he donated $50,000 to The new name was adopted to better reflect support services that include the promotion be shared equally between the the wide range of services that was now of confidence and competence to help their hospital and nursing home. being offered by the organisation. child learn and grow. Volunteers

The Nursing Home has a small Volunteers at the Pat Hayes Centre 2009 2008 2007 contingent of dedicated volunteers help with: who come in weekly to enhance Community Health opened at Tongala. • Planned recreational activities the residents’ lifestyle. In 2007 a permanent presence in Tongala such as craft and bingo was established with the appointment of a The friendly support they give to • Serving meals, cleaning up and community nurse and a receptionist based in our residents is tremendous. Some washing the dishes the house owned by Tongala Aged Care. This of the work they do is: • Organising entertainment for was an interim measure until a larger facility • Help with meals clients could be obtained. • Play guitar and sing for residents Throughout 2006-07 KDHS worked with the • Bring in flowers Number of Births 2000s In 2008 Stage 1 of the Community Health local community and the Shire of Campaspe • Exchanging library books Capital Project was officially opened, 300 to determine how two $250,000 capital • Organize activities such as Bingo 250 following the remodeling and extension of grants, from Nestle and the Department of and Carpet Bowls 200 the building that was originally the nurses’ Health Services, should be invested into • Take residents to Church service 173 150 166 172 quarters. 150 147 143 137 health infrastructure in Tongala. As a result of 100 136 • Help with morning tea 108 112 Most of the allied and community health this work, in 2014 community health services 50 • Cook breakfast once a month services moved from cramped conditions to moved to the community hub building in 0 • Monthly barbecue 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 the newly renovated modern building. Mangan Street.

2009 2008 2005

KDHS was highly commended in the Annual Premier’s Award for Rural Health Service of the Janet Boyle Year. KDHS was determined to be worthy of a Gold In 2005 Stage 2 of the nursing home upgrade Medal award from Victorian Managed Insurance Jan Boyle became Matron at the hospital in 1979. She retired was completed. This upgrade extended the Association (VMIA) for risk management after 22 years of dedicated service having successfully fulfilled building to the south of the original building infrastructure. The quality improvement the role of Matron/Director of Nursing. During her tenure and provided single rooms with ensuites for program was revised to be even better grounded Jan provided the direction and drive for the nursing division 12 residents. The total number of beds for in risk management and risk assessment. through periods of significant change. residents did not change.

Kyabram and District Health Services was winner of the 2009 Premier’s Award for Best Rural Health Service.

The Award was bestowed on KDHS in recognition of that which was occurring in the 2009 2009 following areas: 2007 2006 Sheridan stage 3 redevelopment, which • Providing sustainable, well-managed and included the addition of five single bedrooms efficient health services and one double bedroom, with ensuites, • Providing timely and accessible health was opened in 2007. The redevelopment services also provided a large increase in communal • Promoting least intrusive and earliest space. effective care The staff and residents were stoic in the • Improving health service safety and quality face of the noise and the disruption of the building works and had fun with naming the • Strengthening the capacity of individual, access route between the two isolated wings families and communities through effective KDHS is a finalist in the 2009 VHA Community of the building the “Burnley Tunnel”, with rest prevention and health promotion Health Awards. stops along the way. • Improving health and wellbeing for In 2006 the nursing home and aged care service The chronic disease management team was disadvantaged people and communities. Stages 2 and 3 were funded locally and one of three finalists for the VHA award for required the investment of $1.3 and $1.4 was renamed Sheridan. A community competition Pictured L-R: Jenny Hill, Susan Briggs, Mike Sweeney (Board was run to help choose the new name. ‘A health service program or project which Chair), Carolyn Jones, Neil Cowen (CEO), James Woods, Katrina million respectively. Another example of the exemplifies a population health approach.’ Studd, Robyn Fennel, Di Roberts community’s support of the health service. Pictured: Long serving volunteer and nursing home resident Mrs Ivy Saunders with Lucy Sullivan Last fete

In 1961 the Kyabram Hospital continued to help by baking for the Ladies Auxiliary held a garden party cake stall, providing supplies for the to raise money for the hospital. The craft stall and helping on the day. garden party was such a success 2012 In 2006 the format of the Fete 2011 it became an annual event in the changed to become a community afternoon of the third Friday in event with the inaugural Great Bed November, evolving into an all day In 2012 the Health and Wellbeing Centre was Race. opened. event. After lengthy deliberation and The Ladies Auxiliary continued to Inside the new front entry a welcoming consultation, the Board decided work hard to make the Fete such a environment encompasses additional that 2011 would be a celebration of success, but in 2000 they advised consulting rooms, treatment rooms, a café the previous 50 years and the last the Board that, due to dwindling lounge, courtyard area, physiotherapy Fete. facilities and gym, training spaces for membership and members who After funding was received in 2009, the Renal doctors and nurses and a state of the art were older and frailer, they were The Board acknowledged the Dialysis unit began operation in 2011 and tele-health centre. no longer able to organise and hard work and tireless efforts of was officially opened in 2012. run the fete. volunteers who had made this The new student accommodation building The purpose built facility was funded by This project was funded by the event such a great success and located in Mitchell Street was opened in In 2001 the Board took over the KDHS. The unit has three treatment chairs, Commonwealth Government. A fundraising in so doing, raising hundreds 2012. The six-bedroom purpose built facility organising of the Fete and some provides a relaxing garden view for clients appeal raised $170,000 for furnishings, of thousands of dollars for the offered a home away from home for students of the Ladies Auxiliary members and easy access from designated car parks. including donations from the Ladies Auxiliary organisation over 50 years. and the Heart Group. undertaking work placement at KDHS.

KDHS is committed to closing the gap between 2011 the health outcomes and life expectancy of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of and non-indigenous Australians.

To show that commitment, a flag raising ceremony was held in October 2012 where the Aboriginal Flag was raised alongside the Australian flag to welcome Aboriginal people to ⸺ ⸺ the health service. Board Members CEOs In 2012 KDHS signed a Statement of Intent on behalf of the Kyabram and district community 2010-2011 Mr J Newham 2012-2019 Peter Abraham with the Minister for Health, Aboriginal and 2010-2020 Mr G Cootes 2019- Anne McEvoy Torres Strait Social Justice Commissioner 2010-2020 Ms N Ryan and the CEO Victorian Aboriginal Community 2011-2013 Mr P Turner Controlled Health Organisation. 2011-2019 Mr P Jackson ⸺ 2013-2017 Mr A Basile Pictured L-R: Lois Charles, Wally Charles, Aunty Kaye Hearn, Ian Peters, Doctors Aunty Kitty McCormick 2013- Mr D Denham 2016-2018 Ms L Humphris 2010- Dr L Tay 2017-2018 Dr O Mitchell 2017- Dr G Toncich 2018- Ms D Armstrong ⸺ 2018- Mr M Milne Life Governors 2018- Ms D Mulcahy 2018- Ms M Prictor Mr Ray Tuhan 2019- Mr P Butt Mr Doug Crow Mrs Margaret Chalker Dr Peter Tisdall 2020- Ms M Sing Mrs Robyn Busch 2020- Mr C Motton 2012 2012 Mr Mike Sweeney Dr Peter Tisdall commenced years of service. He served on the practice in Kyabram in 1965 Board of Management of Kyabram Awarded in 2020: after being accepted as a visiting and District Health Service from Stage 4 of the Sheridan upgrade was opened. Maureen Atkins Jean Courtney medical officer by the hospital 1978-1989. This development was primarily funded by a in December of that year. He Judy Greer In 1991 Dr Tisdall returned to work. community fundraising appeal that provided practiced as a “solo” practitioner He provided medical services until more than $1 million towards the project. for the next ten years. Dr Tisdall his death in June 2011. was joined by two other doctors Shared rooms, with shared ensuites, became in a clinic that operated from the Dr Tisdall had a large practice in 20 single rooms each with its own ensuite. ground floor of the nurses’ living Kyabram and worked seven days Finally, as a result of tireless hard work from quarters at the hospital for another a week caring for his patients. the Board, staff and community, the project decade, leaving to set up practice He provided care in a non- was completed bringing to an end a 10 in an adjacent building. judgemental way, rejected no-one, year capital project to redevelop our entire started early and worked late to Dr Tisdall “retired” in 1990 after Sheridan aged care facility. ensure all received treatment. The delivering over 1,500 babies and community greatly mourned his When officially opening stage 4, The Hon. making approximately 27,000 passing. David Davis MP said “this is testament to the hospital attendances during his 24 community spirit of the town”. 2015 2012

KDHS, in partnership with GV Imaging, started providing CT scanning services for the local community. This significantly enhanced the ability of our local GP’s and clinical teams to provide a greater scope of care locally. 2016 In the same year, KDHS was delighted to again be a beneficiary from the Margaret (Peg) Billings trust fund, receiving $200,000 to redevelop our Palliative Care Suite in Peg’s honour.

In 2016 the Cancer Centre was opened. The A new ultrasound machine was funded by a Centre offers a same-day oncology service, $15,000 donation from the Kyabram Heart Group.

through a shared partnership arrangement Pictured L-R: Joyce Robbins, Jan Hancock, Bill Norman with the Health oncology and Susan Moody service. A highlight of the attractive garden Ray Tuhan setting is the water feature designed and constructed by members of the engineering department. Ray Tuhan was a strong supporter In 2013 Ray received an Angel A generous donation from the Kyabram and advocate for local and Award from Kidney Health Heart Group of $5,520 was used to purchase community health. He was a Australia in recognition of his a chemotherapy chair. strong believer in people not vision and instrumental role in the Pictured L-R: Kelvin West, Edie West, Bev Faderson, Jan Hancock having to travel for care when they development and commencement and Ernie Hancock of the Kyabram Heart Support Group did not need to. of renal dialysis care locally. Ray’s personal experience with cancer Ray represented the Stanhope services informed much of the community as a long term planning for the KDHS Cancer member of West Goulburn Centre. Community Health for over 40 years, and was a member of the His legacy was to leave everyone 2014 KDHS Board for 13 years. who knew him with a passion to continue to be a voice for our Ray was made a Life Governor of community. KDHS in 2010.

In 2014 the Community and Hospital Bill Norman Midwifery Program was ceased at KDHS. The program was a service unique to Bill Norman was President of the Kyabram and was a direct initiative to retain 2017 Kyabram Heart Group for 10 years 2014 2014 birthing services for the local community. from 2005 to 2015. During that time This program employed a core group of $120,000 was donated to KDHS by midwives who provided antenatal, birthing the Kyabram Heart Group. Much of In 2014 KDHS underwent a rebrand. and postnatal care to women experiencing the money raised was through the low risk pregnancy. As a result of clinical sale of locally donated tomatoes. The branding is contemporary and meaningful, capability framework changes and a limited better reflecting the current story of the Bill’s lasting legacy to KDHS was number of mothers eligible to safely birth at organisation and its ongoing commitment to his enthusiasm and commitment the hospital, it was no longer viable to offer the people it works with and the communities to fundraising for much needed the service. it serves. medical equipment that would Number of Births 2010s KDHS was the winner of the NEXA Patient greatly enhance the care provided The logo has four abstract people, representing 300 Engagement Award for moving the patient at his local health service. patients, providers, community and staff, engagement evolution forward and for coming together into a tight formation to 250 setting an example for other healthcare reflect a compassionate, united, inclusive and 200 150 providers to follow the philosophy of “Putting effective organisation. This symbol forms an 100 People First”. The aim of this philosphy is to abstract cross in the central negative space that 65 50 improvethe patient and consumer experience represents our unwavering commitment to 22 23 22 0 while at the health service. healthcare. 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14