Naming of the wards and other significant areas
Florence Risbey Ward - Medical
In March 1895, Hawkesbury Hospital sought applications for the position of Superintendent. The advertisement stated: "The applicant must be withouth encumbrance, a trained nurse and act as Clerk. Salary - 70 punds per year and quarters." Appointing a woman as the sole charge of such an institution was a contentious decision at the time, however Florence Risbey commenced duties as the first Matron of the Hawkebury Hospital in 1895, for a period of eleven years.Having obtained a Nursing Certificate following her training at Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown from 1844-1887, Florence continued at Prince Alfred until 1890 and for the next five years worked in private nursing in Sydney. At an Exhibition of Women's Industries in 1888 she obtained a Certificate and Bronze Medal in "The Theory and Practice of Sick Nursing".
When Florence Risbey commenced duties at Windsor the old building of 1820 was as Govenor Macquarie had built it, with the exception of a balcony added in 1865. The staff consisted of one nurse, a wardsman, a cook and a laundress. The nurse slept in the female ward and the wardsman in the male ward.
At the age of 39, Florence Risby resigned and married Jack Benson of Richmond, where they resided for many years. On her resignation, the highest appreciation for Florence's services and sincere regret at her departure were expressed by the hospital committee.
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This page was last modified on 2 February, 2007