The Children’s Hospital at Carlton was characterised by response to demand – shaped by challenges in the form of two wars, various epidemics, and wavering income streams. The hospital was based in Carlton from 1876 to 1963, a period that encompassed tremendous medical developments and discoveries, which shaped the way the hospital treated patients and used facilities. The premises in Carlton was frequently augmented and adapted to suit the fluctuating needs of the hospital.
While there were many financial and physical restrictions on the hospital’s functions, the time at Carlton was a period of immense growth. Staff were increasingly given access to better training and education, and the seemingly endless facility constructions and renovations allowed an increased number of patients access to better care.
Memories of this time are mixed – the Carlton premises is remembered as intimate and friendly by some, but grim and claustrophobic by others. The wards were cold and draughty in winter and oppressively hot in summer. Important research was conducted from poky utility spaces repurposed as offices. Staff moved patients from building to building as services were spread across the grounds and facilities. Despite the physical challenges, the hospital met hardship with innovation and constant advocacy for the hospital’s capacity for contribution to the health of Victorian children.
After 1921, large building projects dropped away and the site was deemed too small for further development. Eventually the decision was made to find an ideal site and establish a purpose-built hospital that could provide care for a growing population and accommodate new medical research and techniques.
The Children's Hospital's presence in Carlton began in 1876 with the purchase of land and buildings from Judge Redmond Barry. The land spanned the length of Pelham Street between Rathdowne and Drummond Streets. The main house faced out across Rathdowne Street with a view of Carlton Gardens and the Exhibition Building.
The Elizabeth Ward, Redmond Barry House, 1904
Redmond Barry's former house was not well-suited for use as a hospital and the Committee spent a great many funds on adjustments, alterations, and extensions. An extra storey was added with a new ward named in honour of both Lady Elizabeth Loch and Mrs Elizabeth Testar, an influential committee member.
Outpatients Waiting Room, Redmond Barry House
During the early days of The Melbourne Hospital for Sick Children, before large ward and surgical facilities were established, the focus was on providing care for outpatients. The hospital enabled families to consult with doctors and receive prescriptions - the service was free for those deemed unable to meet a fee contribution. Patient wait times ranged up to four hours.
Outpatients building, Drummond Street, circa 1915
An Outpatients Department building was constructed on Drummond Street, completed in 1899 and swiftly put to the test by a typhoid epidemic. The building was altered in 1905 to include an extra storey and an x-ray department.
Princess May Pavilion, Pelham Street, circa 1950
In response to the demand for more beds, in 1901 a new pavilion was planned. The Princess May Pavilion was named for Princess Mary of Teck, Duchess of York (Princess May was an informal name, adopted due to her month of birth). Princess Mary visited the hospital in May 1901. The two wards in the Princess May Pavilion were named for Dr William Snowball, and Francis Ormond, a significant benefactor of the hospital.
Isolation Ward and outbuildings, circa 1920
The hospital saw a large number of patients with issues caused by poor living conditions and insufficient hygiene. Contagious diseases also posed a serious threat to families, especially at a time before immunisation and antibiotics were widely introduced. The Isolation Ward was built to accommodate patients with infectious diseases.
Isolation Ward interior, 1908
The hospital saw a large number of patients with issues caused by poor living conditions and insufficient hygiene. Contagious diseases also posed a serious threat to families, especially at a time before immunisation and antibiotics were widely introduced. The Isolation Ward was built to accommodate patients with infectious diseases.
John Robertson Nurses Home, circa 1915
Supported by a bequest from the estate of John Robertson, a Nurses Home was built on Rathdowne Street and opened in 1907, in place of the damp and over-crowded pre-existing quarters.
Nurses on balcony of John Robertson Nurses' Home, circa 1941
Nurses were expected to live onsite, with the supervision of a 'home sister'. The John Robertson Nurses' Home, completed in 1908, provided much-needed housing for the young women who populated the nursing profession at the time.
Demolition of Redmond Barry House, circa 1911
Even with improvements Redmond Barry's house was not fit to task as a hospital. Eventually the decision was made to demolish Redmond Barry's house and design a new building to suit the hospital's needs. The Edward Wilson Pavilion was built in place of the old building and opened for use in 1913.
Edward Wilson Pavilion, circa 1913
Opened in 1913, the Edward Wilson Pavilion was named in honour of a journalist and philanthropist. The Edward Wilson Trust was a significant contributor to the hospital, and crucially filled a gap in funding during the First World War when other donations were drastically decreased.
The Edward Wilson Pavilion housed 40 surgical and 20 medical beds, as well as two operating theatres.
View from the Edward Wilson Pavilion surgical block, circa 1936
Welcoming P.O.W.s home, circa 1945
This image shows the Edward Wilson Pavilion with the extra storey that extended the building's surgical facilities.
The balconies of the buildings facing Rathdowne Street overlooked processions such as visits from Queen Elizabeth II and the return of P.O.W.s and troops from the Second World War. These events caused much excitement for the hospital's inhabitants.
Balcony wards, circa 1940
Renovations and plans for new buildings placed an emphasis on introducing more light and air into the wards. Improvements included balconies where beds were moved to give patients 'open air' treatment.
Nurses Morey and Longstaff pulling the milk trolley, circa 1940
Physical fitness was required of the medical professionals at the Children's. Moving patients, supplies, and equipment along the walkways between buildings was a frequent requirement as the buildings were not planned or connected as one.
