Left: Olinda’s Doreen Connelly predicts the Angliss’ 85,000th baby will be a boy, “just like her Raymond”. 54501
By Russell Bennett
Mrs Connelly, soon to be 87, was 17 when her son Raymond was born in one of the Angliss’ 10 beds at 9am on 15 February 1940.
“The first to give birth at the hospital received 10 guineas, which was a lot of money back then,” Mrs Connelly said.
“I missed out, but my baby boy was healthy and that’s the main thing.”
Mrs Connelly was “together in labour” with the lucky lady and gave birth just half an hour later.
“The (Angliss) hospital has always been there for everybody around here,” she said.
“I know I wouldn’t have made it to Box Hill in time for the birth.”
She described the 1940s hills life as much simpler and relaxed in comparison to today.
“The kids were happy (back then) and the people were a lot more neighbourly,” she said.
“There was more of a sense of community.
“We were very close with our neighbours.”
Nothing typified the friendliness and goodwill of the ’40s more than Mrs Connelly donating breast milk to struggling mothers at the Angliss.
“I was in hospital for two weeks after the birth,” she said.
“And I produced milk for the mums who couldn’t breast feed.”
“I didn’t really think anything of it.”
Angliss acting clinical and site operations chief Anthony Black predicted celebrations for the 85,000th baby milestone would take place in late October or early November this year.
Mrs Connelly predicted the baby would be a boy.
“Just like my Raymond,” she said.
The hospital, now with more than 270 beds, is looking to raise money to refurbish its busy maternity unit. Community donations can be made by calling 9895 4608 or visiting www.easternhealth.org.au/donate
