PRIVATE HOSPITALS

The following research was compiled by Ruth Davis of Gulgong.

• Doctor McCreadie early 1905 had his surgery in Medley Street, in 1906 the site was Ardlui’ Private Cottage Hospital, Medley Street. Miss M. Goodsir was the Matron. Later it was the home of the Blanning Family—then the family home of Norman and Doris Woods. The home was demolished in the 1950s when the Memorial Hall was built, the Pre-School is now on the site.


• Nurse Randell had a Private Hospital in Cooyal Street—May 5 1936, Sister E Farthing occupied the hospital it was named ‘Loretto’.

By July 1, 1936, Sister Farthing had moved to Queen Street, occupying ‘Langdon’ Private Hospital.

• ‘Cullengoral’ Private Hospital, was in Mayne Street, Drs Les and Marjorie Tunley lived there for a time before they built their new home almost opposite in 1938. The Martin family lived there for many years.

• Next to Tunley’s new home was also a Private Hospital managed by Mrs Jane Brigden, the Fyfes lived there at one time, then Enid and Ray Cox for many years.


• ‘Ormsaig’ Private Hospital, Belmore Street, opposite the new Public School, second from the corner western side of Wenonah Street, May 27, 1936 Sister L Betts was there for some time until she moved to 8 Tallawang Road.




• ‘Brislington’ House was built for Mr Edward Stott in 1899 by Matthew Bennett, he was married to Margaret McMillan, they lived there until 1930, Mrs Stott was a midwife and used the home as a hospital, but it was unregistered. Goma Stott niece of Edward and was a double certificate nursing sister. She registered ‘Brislington’. She was there until she married in 1936.

Brislington House, Gulgong

Advertisement Gulgong Advertiser -1936

‘Brislington Private’ Hospital, Home Street,

Outdoor Patients also Attended,

Sister Grace I. Hague, Phone 75,

Sister Hague left Gulgong in 1940 and moved to North Strathfield until her death.

• ‘Bruendah’ Private Hospital Robinson Street, off Fisher Street, later home of the Scarlett family.


• ‘Carinya’ Private Hospital, northern end of Medley Street, the Cecil Ellery family lived there for a time.

The names of the Private Hospitals can still be seen on the homes. Maternity cases in the early days were in Private Hospitals, circa 1940s they were then in General Hospital.

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If you have any additional information to add about the history of Gulgong's hospitals and/or medical staff, please contact:

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Staff from the Ormsaig maternity Hospital, Gulgong

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 1 Nov 1900 Page 26

NEWS ITEMS

1935 - SALE OF PRIVATE HOSPITAL

SISTER L. Betts, who has been in charge of the maternity unit of the Merriwa District Hospital, has purchased 'Ormsaig' private hospital, Gulgong, from Matron Macdonald. She will take over on March 1. Sister Betts will come to Gulgong with a wonderful reputation, as an obstetric sister. The hospital board at Merriwa and the residents of that district sincerely regret her impending departure, as she was held in the very highest esteem both professionally and personally. Whilst Gulgong district residents will very much regret parting with Matron and Sister Macdonald who have both endeared themselves to everyone, it will be pleasing to know that the hospital will be conducted, by one so capable as Sister Betts.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 7 Feb 1935 Page 12

1935 - PUBLIC NOTICE

I BEG to notify the public that I have taken over 'Ormsaig' Private Hospital and will conduct it in the same efficient manner as did Matron McDonald. SISTER L. BETTS. Phone 73.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 4 Jul 1935 Page 12

1935 - DEATH. LINESMAN KILLED.

Sister Betts, late of Merriwa Hospital and flow of Gulgong, received the sad news by wire a few days ago that her eldest brother, Mr. Tom. Betts, a linesman, was killed instantly by being crushed by a pole while working in a hole. The deceased, who resided at Fairfield, leaves a widow and five children.

Source: The Muswellbrook Chronicle (NSW : 1898 - 1955) Fri 16 Aug 1935 Page 10

1939 - [ADVERTISEMENT]
WANTED - General. Apply sister BETTS. 'Carinya,' Tallawang Road, Gulgong.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 2 Feb 1939 Page 4

1939 - [NURSING STAFF]

Sister Nellie Williams, who trained at St. Vincent's Hospital, Bathurst, and who was formerly a probationary nurse at tbe Gulgong District Hospital, last week took up duties at Sister Betts' private hospital in Gulgong.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 5 Oct 1939 Page 13

1944 - A Prompt Action by Hospital Board

Following advice that Sister Betts would be closing Carinya Private Hospital, the board of directors of the Gulgong District Hospital, at a special meeting held last Monday night, appointed the president (Mr. J. J. Dowd) and Dr. R. M. Allport (Government Medical Officer) as a delegation to present to the Minister for Health the need for maintaining adequate accommodation for maternity cases.

The delegation returned on Friday, and we are informed that the Minister (Hon. 'Gus' Kelly) very promptly stated that Carinya would be taken over, and in a few days the Hospitals Commission would send an officer to inspect the hospital and its equipment and arrange for staffing, which will be by fully trained nurses.

Although no details of administration were touched upon, it is understood that Carinya will come under the control of the Gulgong District Hospital Board, and the change will take place without the public being inconvenienced by any break in the nursing service now available.

The hospital board has earned the thanks of the whole district for the speedy and successful way in which it dealt with a matter of urgent public interest.

Much of the success of the initial move must be credited also to Gulgong's Parliamentary representative, Captain W. F. Dunn, who, following his usual custom, gave much of his time and energy in assisting the delegates in their mission.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 2 Mar 1944 Page 17

1944 - [GOOD CITIZEN]

Sister L. Betts, of Carinya Private Hospital, left Gulgong on Friday evening, last for the city where her wedding is to take place to-day.

Sister Betts has been a good citizen while in Gulgong, where she took over the private hospital from the

sisters, Misses McDonald, of Ormsaig Private Hospital, about nine, years ago. She will be missed, as she has willingly helped all organisations for the benefit of the town when her profession would allow. She was a very staunch member of her church. Her many friends wish her the best in her new home, which, we understand, is to be at Bulli.

Source:  Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 6 Apr 1944 Page 16

1944 - GULGONG LOCALS WEDDING

The marriage took place on Wednesday, 5th instant, at 6 p.m., at St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Macquarie Street, Sydney, of Miss Lillian (Sister) Betts, of Auburn (formerly of Gulgong), to Mr. John Seath, of Bulli. The bride was dressed in navy costume with accessories to match, and wore a shoulder spray of red roses. She entered the church on the arm of her brother, Mr. Leonard Betts, who gave her away. The Rev. Alan Tory, M.A., officiated. After the reception, which was held at a city cafe, Mr. and Mrs. Seath caught the train for Melbourne, where their honeymoon was spent. Their future home will be at Bulli.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 20 Apr 1944 Page 16