Remembering Subiaco's World War II role

24 Apr 2017

24 April 2017

Australia’s involvement in World War II affected not only those on the battlefronts but those at home too.

During the war, St John of God Subiaco Hospital was one of a handful of hospitals in Perth named as a treatment centre in case air raids reached WA.

“The Sisters of St John of God had a large white cross painted on the roof of the hospital to identify it as a health centre,” St John of God Health Care Heritage Coordinator Jacqui Sherriff said.

“But it was soon painted over when authorities thought it would make the hospital a target rather than protecting it.”

Jacqui said on Anzac Day it was important to not only recognise the sacrifices made on the frontline, but the effects war had back in Perth.

“The immediate effect of the war on health care was two-fold: doctors were in short supply during this time as many were required to enlist due to their specialist skills and beds were allocated for soldiers which meant few beds for the general population,” she said.

“This put additional strain on the health care system.”

Furthermore, like the rest of Perth, St John of God Subiaco Hospital was affected by black out requirements during the war time period, with Sisters on their night rounds forced to use hurricane lamps covered with a cloth or towel to minimise the amount of light distributed.

“The many French doors of the hospital also presented a challenge for black out requirements, as they had no curtains, so each panel was blocked out with black paper recycled from X-ray packaging,” Jacqui said.

Rationing requirements affecting the broader community were also in effect at hospitals.

“Catering staff had to be creative in the preparation of food for patients, especially those with special dietary needs,” Jacqui said.

“There were few concessions for health care facilities, all had to follow the general guidelines laid down under the National Security Act.”