David Berry Hospital facts for kids

The David Berry Hospital is a special hospital in Berry, Australia. It helps people get better after an illness or injury. It also provides care for people with serious illnesses. Famous architects Howard Joseland and Walter Liberty Vernon designed the hospital. It was built in 1909. The first buildings and the gatehouse are now listed as important heritage sites.

How the Hospital Started

A Special Gift for the Community

The David Berry Hospital exists because of a very generous gift. A man named David Berry passed away in 1899. He left a large sum of money, £100,000, to build a hospital. This hospital was meant to help people in the Berry and Shoalhaven areas.

Building the Permanent Hospital

At first, a temporary hospital was set up. However, it wasn't good enough for everyone. So, in 1906, the government passed a law called the David Berry Hospital Act. This law made sure a proper, permanent hospital would be built. The government promised to always keep the hospital running. In return, David Berry's trustees gave the government 88 acres of land in North Sydney.

The new hospital officially opened on September 18, 1909. The Premier of New South Wales, Charles Wade, was there for the opening. Building the hospital cost £7,900.

Hospital Expansions Over Time

The hospital grew bigger over the years to help more people. In 1921, some parts of the hospital were improved. In 1936, more wards were added. These included a ward for Aboriginal patients, a maternity ward for new mothers, and a general ward for men. The hospital was also renovated in 1975 to update its facilities.

What Services the Hospital Offers

Specialised Care for Patients

Today, David Berry Hospital focuses on two main types of care. It provides rehabilitation services. This means helping people recover after an illness, injury, or surgery. It also offers palliative care. This is special care for people with serious illnesses, focusing on comfort and quality of life.

Beds and Units

The hospital has 26 beds for patients who need to stay overnight. Seventeen of these beds are for rehabilitation patients. The other nine beds are for palliative care patients. There is also a special building on the hospital grounds called the Karinya Palliative Care Unit. This unit provides dedicated care for palliative patients.

Why David Berry Hospital is Important Heritage

A Significant Historical Site

The David Berry Hospital is very important to the history of New South Wales. It shows the lasting impact of David Berry's generous gift to the community. The hospital is also important because of its design. It was designed by well-known architects, Colonial Architect Walter Liberty Vernon and Howard Joseland.

Unique Architecture

The main hospital building has two floors in the middle, with single-story sections on each side. The gatehouse is also special. It is made of red brick with a slate roof. The upper part has a smooth finish called stucco, on a sandstone base. It also has decorative stucco details.

The David Berry Hospital Precinct, including its original buildings and gatehouse, was officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999. This means it is protected as an important historical site.

See also

• Rehabilitation hospital
• Palliative care