David Berry Hospital facts for kids

David Berry Hospital is a special hospital in Berry, on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia. It helps people get better after an illness or injury. It also provides comfort care for those who are very sick. The hospital was designed by Howard Joseland and Walter Liberty Vernon. It was built in 1909. The first hospital buildings and its gatehouse are now protected as important historical sites. They were added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999.

Hospital History

How the Hospital Started

David Berry Hospital was built because of a special gift. A man named David Berry passed away in 1899. He left £100,000 in his will to help the people of Berry. This money was meant to build a hospital. It was especially for people living in Broughton Creek and the Shoalhaven area.

A temporary hospital was set up first. But it was not big enough. So, the government passed a law in 1906. This law, called the David Berry Hospital Act, allowed a permanent hospital to be built. David Berry's family also gave 88 acres of land to the government. This was to make sure the hospital would always be there.

Opening and Growth

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

The hospital grew over the years. In 1921, some parts were added to the isolation wards. More additions were made in 1936. These included a ward for Aboriginal people, a maternity ward for new mothers, and a small general ward. The hospital was also updated in 1975.

What Services the Hospital Offers

Today, David Berry Hospital helps people in the Shoalhaven area. It offers two main types of care.

Rehabilitation Care

Rehabilitation care helps patients get stronger. This is for people who are recovering from an illness or injury. It helps them get back to their daily activities. The hospital has 17 beds for rehabilitation patients.

Palliative Care

Palliative care focuses on comfort. It helps people who are very sick feel better. This care aims to improve their quality of life. The hospital has 9 beds for palliative care patients. The Karinya Palliative Care Unit is in its own building on the hospital grounds.

Why the Hospital is a Heritage Site

Historical Importance

The David Berry Hospital area is very important to the history of New South Wales. It shows the lasting impact of David Berry's generous gift. This gift helped many people in the community.

Architectural Design

The hospital is also important for its design. It was created by famous architects. These include Colonial Architect Walter Liberty Vernon and Howard Joseland. Their work makes the buildings special.

The main hospital building has two floors in the middle. It has one-story wings on each side. The gatehouse is also notable. It is made of red bricks with a slate roof. The top part has a stucco finish. It sits on a sandstone base with decorative details.

The David Berry Hospital Precinct was officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999. This means it is protected for future generations.