The History of Hawkesbury Hospital
The original Hawkesbury Hospital was erected as a barrack for convict workmen in 1820. These barracks at Windsor were converted into a convict hospital in 1823. The building still stands, forming the main walls of the old Hawkesbury Hospital. When transportation of convicts ceased in 1841 the convict hospital closed and the hospital building was handed over to the Hawkesbury Benevolent Society in 1846, establishing a precedent for the operation of Hawkesbury Hospital by a charitable organisation. Until 1996, the hospital was the oldest in NSW operating from its original site. In 1955, 18 acres were resumed from the Dean family's property for the construction of a new hospital. Settlement occurred on 1st November of that year for the price of £16,866.
Hawkesbury Hospital was incorporated into Wentworth Area Health Service in 1988. Planning for the new hospital commenced in 1989 and in 1990 a development application was submitted to Hawkesbury City Council to build a new 150 bed hospital costing $70m. Whilst detailed planning was undertaken and work began on site, capital funds were not allocated to the programme past this early stage ($6 million expended).
The NSW Department of Health identified the new hospital for "privatisation" in 1992 and late in 1993 expressions of interest for the development process were called from not-for-profit organisations. Five expressions of interest were received and which were short-listed to two.
Catholic Healthcare NSW & ACT and Wesley Mission were invited to submit development proposals in 1994, with the contract being awarded to Catholic Health Care Services. Fletcher Construction Limited, the builders of the new health facility, commenced work on site in February 1995 and the site was "handed over" to Catholic Healthcare at the beginning of June 1996. Throughout the new facility's development, the staff contributed to design, equipment selection and systems development. The facility accepted its first patients on 7th August 1996, when the staff and patients transferred from the old hospital site in a single day.
A History of Hawkesbury Hospital's Community Health Services
The Community Health Programme (CHP) commenced in 1973. Prior to this, services were provided in the community by District Nurses based at Hawkesbury Hospital. The Department of Health provided other specialist services such as TB Nurses and Baby Health Clinic services.
The CHP was developed to provide a co-ordinated, multidisciplinary approach to community health services. The first premises occupied by staff were sparsely furnished, rented accommodation at North Richmond. In 1975 a purpose built Health Centre was opened at March Street, Richmond. Demand for the services grew quickly and staffing increased accordingly, by 1976 the Health Centre was extended.
The community nurses established clinics in the public schools in the Hawkesbury Local Government Area, situated geographically, according to the population they serviced.
The population growth in the Hawkesbury area impacted significantly with increasing demand for services. By the late 1980's staffing levels had increased.
Once again expansion of the Health Centre was considered and due to limitations at the March Street site, premises were rented in Park Mall at Richmond.
As the services develop, the focus of community health is unchanged. The continued aim is to provide a horizontal and seamless service linking hospital and community services more effectively and efficiently, promoting and protecting the health of the people in the Hawkesbury area.
