Hamilton Base Hospital

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The Hamilton Base Hospital

Corner of Tyers and Kitchener Streets

This large complex has regional significance for its architectural interest as a hospital with diverse components constructed over a long period from the 1860s to 1980s. It has historical significance for its important role within the Western District region and for its associations with a number of prominent local doctors including Dr David Laidlaw, who was Medical Superintendent in the pre-1920 period and Dr Samuel Fitzpatrick who replaced him. ([i]) The complex has social significance for its replacement, in 1904, of male warders with female nurses. ([ii]) The hospital also has industrial importance as a local employer and in the 1980s was the largest single employer in the town. ([iii])

The 1880s building remains at the heart of the complex. The earliest section was designed in 1862 by the architect, James Henry Fox, ([iv]) while the notable architectural firm of Butler & Ussher was associated with the substantial 1880s and 1890s extensions which incorporated the 1860s building. ([v]) A `fever ward' designed by Hammond & Butler, was erected in 1897. (See separate data sheet for this building.). ([vi]) The turn of the century saw the establishment of the McKellar Hospital, a maternity wing, which became the second in Victoria to train midwives. ([vii]) (See separate data sheet for this building) After the Second World War another major development was the construction of a TB Chalet, designed and built as one of several around the state to combat the disease. (See separate data sheet for this building.) The Princess Margaret Nurses Homes, built in the 1960s, was the next major development and remains the largest building in Hamilton. (See separate data sheet for this building.)

Originally the core 1880s building looked out to the north-east towards the Grampians. It is now much altered with the side wings partly demolished and rebuilt. A new temporary building has been constructed in the courtyard in front of it. The fleche on top of the main roof has been removed and there have been other alterations to the fabric of the centre wing. Nonetheless this wing remains relatively intact and is in fair condition.