Life was tough for children born into Melbourne’s inner-city slums at the turn of the nineteenth century. Lack of sanitation, overcrowding, poor housing and insufficient food created breeding grounds for infectious diseases, which resulted in many children requiring long hospital stays.
Children were admitted to hospital, treated, and once considered symptom free, were sent home. Still weak, their health would again quickly decline and often lead to death.
Staff at the Children’s Hospital in Carlton realised these children needed to build their strength before returning home. Some patients were sent to private homes for a restorative stay near the beach, which had good results. By 1883, a convalescent cottage was purchased by the Committee of Management in Brighton. The cottage was located close to the beach and the children could play in fresh sea air, eat nourishing food and regain their strength before returning home.
Hampton and Sherbrooke convalescent homes, and an entire hospital dedicated to orthopaedic illnesses in Mt Eliza, highlighted the need for long term care and rehabilitation facilities for children affected by chronic and disabling illnesses. These facilities also brought Allied Health and Ancillary Services departments to fruition; such as Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy, Audiology, Psychology, and Dietetics.
The demand for convalescent facilities diminished when childhood immunisation programs became commonplace. In 1957, Sherbrooke closed its doors for good and Hampton followed soon after.
An interior view of the the first convalescent home purchased by the hospital. Unfortunately, in 1909 the cottage was destroyed by fire.
Brighton Convalescent Cottage, circa 1905
The cottage was located on Holyrood St, only a short walk from the beach.
Hampton Convalescent Cottage, 1910
After the Brighton cottage burnt down, a new cottage was purchased in Hampton. Although larger, the demand on the facility was high. Children often stayed much longer than the recommended three weeks as staff were hesitant to return children to poor home conditions.
Hampton Convalescent Cottage
By 1923, predominant chronic childhood illnesses were tuberculosis, polio, osteomyelitis and rheumatic fever. Patients required specialised treatment and long-term care in convalescent facilities. Caring for these children became a hospital priority during this time.
Heliotherapy ward, 1928
A heliotherapy (sun therapy) ward was opened at Hampton as a precursor to The Children’s Orthopaedic Hospital, which opened in 1930.
Hampton Convalescent Home with renovations, 1948
By the early 1930s, Hampton Convalescent Cottage had been neglected as hospital funding was focused on the Mt Elliza orthopaedic hospital. Poor staffing, run-down facilities, unhealthy diets and outbreaks of diphtheria were just some of the concerns. Things began to change in 1935 when the Hampton cottage was renovated, children were immunised against diphtheria and new staff were introduced. Unfortunately, these achievements were short lived as the 1937 – 38 polio epidemic hit Melbourne and the cottage was taken over by polio patients.
Sherbrooke Convalescent Home
In 1936, the hospital was given a generous donation of land in Sherbrooke and a local philanthropist provided enough funds to build a new convalescent cottage.
Children and staff at Sherbrooke Convalescent Home
The cottage could accommodate up to 16 patients.
Children in Sherbooke Forest, 1949
Sherbrooke Cottage was surrounded by forest and fresh air, a happy and wholesome environment was created under the watchful eye of Sister Ann Milburn.
Sister Ann Milburn and patient
Sister Ann Milburn was admired by her contemporaries and remembered as being kind with a great love of the outdoors.
