Diamantina Health Care Museum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Diamantina Health Care Museum |
|
|---|---|
Former Dispenser's House, Diamantina Hospital
|
|
| Location | Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1900–1914 (early 20th century) |
| Built | 1908 |
| Architect | Thomas Pye of Queensland Government Architect's Office |
| Official name: Former Dispenser's House, Diamantina Hospital, Diamantina Health Care Museum | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 3 July 2007 |
| Reference no. | 602560 |
| Significant period | 1908–1974 |
| Significant components | residential accommodation – other |
| Builders | W Chaplain |
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
The Diamantina Health Care Museum is a special place in Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It used to be the home for the person who prepared medicines (called a Dispenser) at the old Diamantina Hospital. This building was designed by Thomas Pye in 1908 and built by W Chaplain. Today, it's a museum where you can learn about the history of healthcare in Queensland! It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 3 July 2007.
Contents
A Look Back: The Hospital's Story
The building that is now the Diamantina Health Care Museum was built in 1908. It was part of the facilities for the Diamantina Hospital for Chronic Diseases.
From Orphanage to Hospital
The Diamantina Hospital started in 1901. It used buildings that were once the Diamantina Orphanage. This orphanage was named after Lady Diamantina Bowen, the wife of Queensland's first Governor. The orphanage began in 1864 in two small cottages.
By 1882, the orphanage needed more space. A large piece of land was bought in Woolloongabba. The new Diamantina Orphanage opened there in 1883. It cared for many children.
In 1893, a big flood damaged another hospital. Some patients from that hospital moved to the orphanage. The children were then sent to live elsewhere. From 1898 to 1900, the place was used as a reformatory for boys.
A New Kind of Hospital
At that time, Queensland didn't have a hospital for people with long-term illnesses. Many people were sick with diseases like tuberculosis. This was a serious illness that caused many deaths. Doctors wanted a special hospital to treat these patients.
So, in 1901, the Diamantina Orphanage buildings were changed into a hospital. It opened as the Diamantina Hospital for Chronic Diseases. "Chronic" means long-lasting. This hospital cared for patients with ongoing health problems. It was a public hospital, managed by the Department of Health. It had 32 beds and a staff of 19. Miss Florence Chatfield was the Matron (head nurse).
The Dispenser's House is Built
By 1903, the hospital had grown to 72 beds. Mr. Frederick Staubwasser was the Head Wardsman and Dispenser. A Dispenser was someone who prepared and gave out medicines. In 1907, Mr. Staubwasser wanted a raise and a house on the hospital grounds. Miss Chatfield strongly supported his request.
Thomas Pye, a government architect, drew plans for a house. It would be built near the hospital's Dispensary. Construction began in 1908, and the house was ready by early 1909. This is the building that is now the museum!
Mr. Staubwasser lived in the house and worked as Dispenser until 1912. He later became Assistant Superintendent. The house was made bigger over the years. Mr. Staubwasser lived there until he passed away in 1938. After him, other medical staff lived in the house.
Changes Over Time
In 1943, the Diamantina Hospital changed its name. It became the South Brisbane Auxiliary Hospital. After World War II, there was a big effort to stop tuberculosis. This meant fewer people needed long-term care.
In 1956, a new, much larger hospital was built nearby. In 1960, it was named the Princess Alexandra Hospital. The old Dispenser's House was used for different staff members. In 1974, it became a training center for kidney dialysis.
Finally, in 2003, the former Dispenser's House was renovated. It opened in 2004 as the Diamantina Health Care Museum. It still looks much like it did, keeping its original home-like feel.
What the Museum Looks Like
The former Dispenser's House is a timber building. It has a roof made of corrugated iron. It stands on new concrete stumps.
You'll see a gabled bay (a part of the wall that sticks out) with four windows on the eastern side. There are also verandahs (porches) on the north and south sides. The southern verandah has timber-framed windows. The northern verandah has glass louvres. Inside, the walls and floors are made of timber. Many rooms have French doors with small windows above them.
Why This Place is Special
The former Dispenser's House of the Diamantina Hospital is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. This means it's an important historical building. It was added to the list on 3 July 2007.
Important History
This building helps us understand Queensland's history. It shows how the Diamantina Hospital for Chronic Diseases worked. This hospital, which opened in 1901, was the first of its kind in Queensland. It was very important for healthcare in the state. The house also shows that it was common for important hospital staff to live on-site back then.
A Rare Survivor
The former Dispenser's House is now rare. It is the last building remaining from the original Diamantina Hospital for Chronic Diseases. This makes it a very special part of Queensland's history.
Images for kids
-
Matron Florence Chatfield in 1905 with her nurses
-
Entrance to the Diamantina Health Care Museum, 2016
