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HistoryA brief history of Bowral & District Hospital A hospital to provide services to the Bowral, Moss Vale, Berrima and Mittagong areas was first proposed in 1885. The land was chosen in May 1886 and purchased for a total cost of £362 ten shillings. This same parcel of land is the site of the current hospital. The foundation stone for the Berrima District Cottage Hospital was laid on 9 February 1889 by Lord Carrington, Governor of the Colony and the architect explained to the crowd that the hospital would accommodate 6 beds (4 male and two female). A time capsule was laid under the foundation stone when construction commenced. The Berrima District Cottage Hospital was opened by the Hon. John Lacker MLC on 4 September 1889 before a crowd of 700 people.
When the hospital opened its doors in 1889 it was staffed by the Hospital's first matron Miss Annie Morgan, and Dr Bernard James Newmarch, the only resident clinician, an assistant and an outdoor worker. This Hospital building served the people of the Southern Highlands through until the 1930s and is still in use today housing Doctor’s consultation rooms and a lecture theatre.
On 23 February 1935 a new Hospital was opened by Mr Mark Morton MLA. Costing £18,111 this two storey building provided 39 beds, an outpatients department, dispensary, x-ray machine, dressing room and the provision to install a lift. By the 1950s it was clear that a larger hospital was needed, and this new building was opened to the public on 13 March 1961.
The Hospital Board approached Anthony Hordern, a great supporter of the hospital, hoping to name the new building in his honour. He declined but suggested the name 'Milton Park' in recognition of the many people who had supported fundraising activities held in the garden of his home of the same name. In 1988 the time capsule under the foundation stone was retrieved as part of the Hospital’s Centenary celebration. A new time capsule was then laid by the Governor of New South Wales, Rear-Admiral, Sir David Martin.
Now over 135 years old, the Bowral & District Hospital precinct has undergone significant redevelopment. In December 2020 a new Clinical Services Building was opened including a new hospital entrance, emergency department, operating theatres, adult and paediatric inpatient wards, rehabilitation spaces and new maternity and birthing suites. Shortly after this, the new Renal Unit, pharmacy and central steralising services department opened. Redevelopment of the hospital is continuing with Stage 2 works well underway to deliver a new Outpatient Centre, General Services Building and Aboriginal Dreaming Garden. Bowral & District Hospital continues to evolve whilst maintaining a clear focus on providing health services that meet the needs of the community now and into the future.
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