Celebration will mark Murray Bridge hospital’s centenary

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A hundred years ago next month, a cheering crowd gathered outside the new Murray Bridge Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.

You can imagine flags flying, a band playing and Sir Tom Bridges – Governor of South Australia and a decorated military officer himself – cutting a ribbon.

As The Mount Barker Courier reported at the time:

The board of management has decided to throw the hospital open for inspection, and the public is cordially invited to take the opportunity to view the now completed and equipped buildings … Everybody is asked to contribute something to go on the pantry shelves. Here is a splendid opportunity for the housewives of Murray Bridge, who are pardonably proud of their culinary accomplishments, to provide some of the dainties for which they are famed at many of the agricultural shows in the district.

A foundation stone had been laid on November 30, 1921, and the limestone building constructed on land donated by William Jaensch.

It was dedicated to the local servicemen who had fought for country and empire during the Great War, which had ended only five years earlier.

Upon its gates were inscribed the names of those who had given their lives.

Inside were 26 beds, an operating theatre, an isolation ward – something locals had learned was necessary during the Spanish flu pandemic of 1919 – and the latest technology: an X-ray apparatus, electric refrigeration and a hot water service.

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A.V. Pugh was the first secretary of the hospital and, according to The News, Dr K.N. Steele was its superintendent and a Sister Hay was the matron.

In the century since, thousands have been born, visited or spent their final days within the hospital’s walls.

Hundreds of staff members have spent their careers there, too – and the hospital’s health advisory council hopes many will gather to celebrate its centenary next month.

Celebration will mark hospital’s centenary

A celebration will be held in the Imperial Football Club rooms at Johnstone Park, Murray Bridge on August 20.

Guests will get a two-course lunch from 11.30am and afternoon tea at 2.30pm.

HAC presiding member Greg O’Brien said there would be plenty of reminiscing.

At least one time capsule will be opened, too, unearthing treasures of the past.

• Tickets: $11.80 at www.eventbrite.com.
• More information: Email murraybridgesmhospitalhac@gmail.com or call Greg O’Brien on 0411 677 807 or Di Dawson on 0408 080 124.

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