Old Denmark District Hospital

Child Places

• 14309 Peace Tree

Statement of Significance

The Denmark District Hospital has social and historical heritage significance. Located in a spacious setting, the original hospital consisted of three wards, kitchen, operating theatre, office, back and front verandahs, separate Matron’s quarters, shed and morgue. The Matron’s quarters and the morgue have been recognised as having State heritage significance and are on the Register of Heritage Places.

The next addition was a permanent care ward which became a Hospice. In 1974 new offices, outpatients and operating theatre were added to the Hospital. It became a 17 bed hospital (though only funded for eight). Services provided include general medicine, obstetrics, home birthing program, health promotion (eg, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, parenting conferences), palliative care, aged care, emergency care, radiology/ ultrasound and a visiting pathology service. Only minor surgery was done as no theatre operated. An increasing aged population has resulted in the need for frail aged care and accommodation. The hospital was staffed by seven people over a 24 hour period.

In 2008/9 a new hospital was erected on the Old Denmark Agricultural Research Centre site.

Physical Description

The hospital buildings nestle in a parkland and garden setting.

History

It was built by Joe Thornton to incorrect plans as the Public Works Department supplied a Group house plan in error. All additions have been made keeping a unity of material and design. Architectural drawings are available. The trees in the grounds were planted during the Depression by unemployed men. In the far corner of the hospital block is a Norfolk Pine tree planted at the end of WWI, commemorating the end of hostilities and the return of peace. It is locally known as The Peace Tree. A new district hospital opened in 2009 and use of the old hospital is likely to change.
The Shire of Denmark granted planning approval in 2013 for the refurbishment of the Denmark District Hospital (Fmr) and Denmark Frail and Aged Lodge (Fmr) to the Morgan Richards Community Centre. In mid-2014 the building permit and associated tenders were let for the refurbishment works required.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: All

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.