Geelong hospital celebrates 50 years of service

16 Oct 2024

The Sisters of St John of God in Perth, Western Australia, responded to the Geelong community’s nationwide call for help in the seventies, when the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart decided to leave the region and return to Melbourne.

When Sister Assumption Neary arrived at Holy Cross in early 1974, she found a hospital warm in welcome but in grave condition.

“The absence of light was a problem because all the lights had been removed and there were sealed-off wires hanging from where the lights used to be,” she later recalled.

In celebrating the 50th anniversary, CEO Stephen Roberts said those dark times gave way to a bright future through hope, courage and teamwork.

“The Sisters originally committed to stay for three months, then decided to lease the hospital for two years and negotiated the purchase in 1977, sparking an ongoing investment in infrastructure, technology, new services and caregivers – our most valuable asset,” he said.

“A hospital was first established at the Myers Street site in 1905 and developed a strong relationship with the Geelong community. 

“I’m certain all those involved with the hospital over the years would be incredibly proud and, despite periods of uncertainty, we have built a service that has changed our community and become a beacon of healing hope for many. 

“It’s amazing how far we’ve come. Our hospital is now made up of more than 1,200 caregivers and hundreds of doctors and volunteers who make a great difference.”

Today the hospital services include sophisticated surgical specialties, cardiac care, maternity, oncology, rehabilitation, intensive care and emergency care.

Achievements of the past year include completion of the $7.5 million maternity unit upgrade and the introduction of an innovative neonatal service to improve newborn care.

In the last 10 years, major innovations include the establishment of regional Australia’s first cardiac surgery and robotic surgery programs and, looking forward, plans are being finalised this month for a unique, minimally invasive cardiac surgery program.

Other milestones have been 10-year anniversaries of the rehabilitation service and the opening of the first private emergency department in Geelong.

 “We’re looking forward to an exciting few years ahead as we complete the enhancements to many of our services while also finalising the master plan for our hospital precinct, to set the direction for our next 50 years of service and growth,” Mr Roberts said.

Celebrations for the 50-year anniversary coincide with St John of God Health Care Foundation Day, which honours the founding of the Sisters of St John of God in Ireland in 1871 and their ongoing legacy of health care based on healing, hope and dignity.