By Derek Schlennstedt
On November 21, staff and special guests gathered to mark Angliss Hospital’s 80th anniversary.
Angliss Hospital began its life known as the Ferntree Gully Bush Nursing Hospital, opening in 1939. It started off with just ten beds, consisting of 2 two-bed wards and 6 single-bed wards.
There was also provision for two extra beds on the enclosed veranda. The hospital was the vision of Sir Gilbert Chandler and was funded by Sir William Angliss.
It took just four months from the laying of the foundation stone to the hospital’s opening day. In its first six months of operation, 154 patients were treated, with a daily bed average of six patients.
80 years on, the hospital has grown to 155 beds, providing the community with a range of emergency, medical, surgical, maternity and rehabilitation services.
Services have been expanded and there have been advancements in technology. Most recently, in 2018 the new intensive care unit was opened – introducing critical, life-saving treatment for people in the region.
During 2018/2019, Angliss Hospital emergency department provided care to over 44,000 patients, while the wards treated over 27,000 patients. There were over 35,000 episodes of outpatient care.
At the celebration Site Director Paul Leyden thanked the Angliss and Chandler families for their continued support and said that while much has changed during Angliss Hospital’s 80 year history; one thing has stayed the same.
“The community as a whole would not have a hospital without the Angliss and Chandler families and thanks to their continued support as well as from community groups and auxiliaries, the community connection at Angliss Hospital is alive and well,” Mr Leyden said.
“We’ve come a long way since our days as a bush hospital; but our commitment to delivering quality healthcare over the past 80 years, is a commitment we will hold onto well into the future.”
