Boddington District Hospital

Statement of Significance

The building illustrates the initial health needs of Boddington's first residents. The physical proximity between the new and the old buildings demonstrate technological advancements, changing social and cultural needs, the the town's development and Boddington's population increase. The original building is still in use.

Physical Description

The initial building constructed on the Boddington District Hospital site is a small, white coloured weatherboard building, typical of the early 1950's design. It differs substantially to the general wing, being of red brick and corrugated iron roofing; more typical of the 1950's design. The general wing looks of simular design era to that of the Former Marradong Roads Board and the Boddington Town Hall.
Landscaped gardens promote the building to Hotham Avenue.

History

Before the hospital was constructed, a doctor would visit
Boddington regularly from Dwellingup. If need be, the doctor
would travel the 53km, on a ridged gravel road, taking up to two
hours. In the 1930's, Dr Nash would visit every fortnight, staying
at the Boddington Hotel overnight. Dr Zilko was the regular
traveller from Narrogin in the later decade. Around this time, the
Marradong Road Board was responsible for enticing a hospital
board. In 1943 the board was in charge of erecting the first
building, facilitating a nurse and two patients. Extracts factory
patients and bush workers were regular visitors. A resident
doctor, Neil Same, was appointed in 1952. As facilities were
scares, in the latter part of the decade, another building was
constructed. A general wing was soon to follow. The local
community, the Hospital Board, and the local Roads Board,
particularly Lou Stagbouer, were responsible for these
improvements.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium

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.