Follow the trail, dive into our history
The Irish town of Wexford holds great significance for our hospital. Why is that?
Did you know the striking white sculpture at our main entrance symbolise the Holy Spirit, looking over St John of God, as he rescued patients from a hospital fire?
14 Mar 2024
You can learn these facts, and much more, along the St John of God Murdoch Hospital History Trail, launched this month, as part of the hospital’s 30th anniversary celebrations.
The hospital welcomes patients, families, visitors, caregivers and the wider community to explore the trail, which takes you to 12 stops of significance around the hospital campus.
At each stop, signage with a QR code delves you deeper into the back-story of the hospital’s buildings, natural surrounds and artwork.
St John of God Health Care Group Manager History & Heritage, Jacqui Sherriff was instrumental in bringing to light the stories highlighted along the trail,
“In many ways, our Murdoch hospital is unique, in the context of St John of God Health Care’s broader story,” Jacqui said.
“It was the first major project undertaken by St John of God Health Care, which was newly established in 1989.”
“It also brought three hospitals together. For the new Murdoch Hospital to open, existing hospitals established by the Sisters of St John of God in Rivervale and the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition in Bicton closed. Staff and services transferred to the third hospital – the new hospital at Murdoch.”
Jacqui said the History Trail had been a wonderful project, which had allowed Murdoch’s story to be brought to life in an engaging way.
“I hope the trail will ignite a number of ‘I didn’t know that’ moments – for even our most knowledgeable ‘Murdoch-ites’.
Maps for the St John of God Murdoch Hospital History Trail are available at the hospital’s main reception and online.
Schools and community groups interested in exploring the trail can email [email protected].
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