Photo of Tara Oldfield

Author: Tara Oldfield

Senior Communications Advisor

Records recently added to our collection include more than one hundred records from Moorabbin Hospital transferred to us from Monash Health (previously Southern Health Care Network and Southern Health); and Borough of Wonthaggi general correspondence records from the Bass Coast Shire Council. These records are all in physical format, available for researchers to order and view at the North Melbourne Reading Room. 
 

Moorabbin Hospital records 1948-2011

The Moorabbin Hospital’s history began in 1949 when local residents formed the then Moorabbin Hospital Society with the aim of building a community hospital. Land on Centre Road, East Bentleigh, was purchased in 1950 with construction finally commencing in 1973. 

“For sickness is a very personal thing. When we fall ill, our whole outlook on life changes; our needs change; our situation changes. The idea behind the siting and construction of Hospitals such as that at Moorabbin, is that people should, as much as is possible, be treated close to their own home,” W.F.L Reese, M.P, Chairman, Board of Management Report, 1976 Annual Report.

The building was designed by R.S. Demaine, Russell, Trundle, Armstrong & Orton Pty. Ltd. 

The official opening of the hospital took place on 26 October 1975 and the first inpatient, Mrs Crees, was admitted 1 December, with the first baby, baby Jacob Evans, arriving soon after on 15 January 1976. Moorabbin Hospital staff were organised across four divisions: medical, surgical, family medical service and resident medical officer. 

On 1 January 1987, Moorabbin Hospital was amalgamated with Prince Henry’s and the Queen Victoria Medical Centre forming Monash Medical Centre. The former Moorabbin Hospital site has since been a campus of the Monash Medical Centre. 

Moorabbin Hospital now consists of 147 beds and is one of Victoria’s leading medical and research facilities. It is home to the Monash Cancer Centre in partnership with Peter MacCallum, and also provides services in:
•    Orthopaedics
•    Haemodialysis
•    Ear Nose and Throat – non malignant
•    Gynaecology – non malignant
•    Urology – non malignant
•    Diagnostic Imaging
•    Pastoral care
•    Elective surgery
•    Short-stay care

The Hospital’s early history, prior to amalgamation, can be traced through Annual Reports, newsletters and photographs among other fascinating records. The photographs feature construction through to operation with many photos of staff and patients included. 
 

VPRS 19512 C1 Photographic history of the Moorabbin Hospital under construction 1973

 

VPRS 19512 C1 Photographic history of the Moorabbin Hospital under construction 1974

 

VPRS 19512 C1 Photographic history of the Moorabbin Hospital reception desk

 

The first patient Mrs Crees in VPRS 19513 C1 Annual Report 1976

 

Photo of casualty entrance in VPRS 19513 C1 Annual Report 1976

 

See records available below, and access them through the Moorabbin Hospital agency page. 
 

Series and consignment Title Date range
VPRS 19511 C1 General Correspondence Files 1948-1994
VPRS 19512 C1 Photographic Album 1973-1982
VPRS 19513 C1 Annual Reports 1975-1986
VPRS 19514 C1 Press Cuttings 1975-1984
VPRS 19515 C1 Various Records of the Moorabbin Hospital Ladies' Auxiliary 1975-2011
VPRS 19516 C1 Staff Newsletters 1976-1986
VPRS 19517 C1 Annual General Meeting Minutes 1980-1983

 

Borough of Wonthaggi general correspondence files 1974-1994

The Borough of Wonthaggi was created in January 1911 under the Wonthaggi Borough Act 1910. It was abolished in 1994 with the Bass Coast Shire Council appointed as its successor. Thirty-eight record items from Wonthaggi's general correspondence have recently been added to our collection, spanning 1974 through to 1994. Topics include annual statements, council bylaws, welfare and education, clubs, properties and publications. 

 

Series and consignment Title Date range
VPRS 11068 C1 General Correspondence Files 1974-1994

 

Access these through the series page here. 

 

 

Material in the Public Record Office Victoria archival collection contains words and descriptions that reflect attitudes and government policies at different times which may be insensitive and upsetting

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