Camden Hospital - Caring for the community for 110 years
The idea for the first Camden Cottage Hospital was initiated by local dairy farmers after the appearance of Scarlet Fever in the area.
In 1899 a two story house on Mitchell St known as Edithville was converted to a Hospital and was capable of taking 12 patients nursed by a Matron and supported by local Doctors.
At the turn of the century it became clear that a new hospital would be needed to provide inpatient care for the growing Camden community.
Camden District Hospital was first opened at its current location over a century ago.
On 24 May 1902 the Hospital was officially opened on Windmill Hill (now known as Menangle Rd) in Camden by Premier Sir John See at a cost of approximately 2,400 Ponds.
The 12 bed Hospital was established, supported and run by the community through a Hospital Committee. Each bed cost 30 Ponds per year and money was raised through social events and donations.
Camden District Hospital continued to grow from 1916 culminating in the opening of the P.B. Hodge Block in 1971 and by 1985 the hospital had grown to provide network services to the greater community of Macarthur.
In 1990 a Day Unit and Aged Care and Rehabilitation centre opened and the hospital underwent a $900,000 redevelopment.
The University Medical Clinics of Camden/Campbelltown (UMCCC) were established in 2008 at Camden Hospital, improving patient access by delivering specialist outpatient services, while providing training facilities for medical, nursing and allied health students.
In 2010 a new eight-bed Karitane Residential Family Care Unit was opened to provide expert help to local families.
Today Camden Hospital still enjoys strong community support, from groups such as the United Hospital Auxiliary Camden, Palliative Care Volunteer Network, Rotary Clubs, Cawdor Uniting Church, Camden Show Society and the wider community.