By Melissa Coleman
Inglewood Multipurpose Health Service recently marked a milestone, celebrating 100 years since it first opened its doors.
The day was celebrated by staff and members of the community all eager to reminisce on the past century, with some even dressing up in old nurse uniforms.
Organiser Kay Koina said it was a fantastic day for the Inglewood community.
‘It’s not every day your hospital turns 100 so we knew we had to do something special.” Ms Koina said.
“There was an official opening, dress the tree competition, staff service awards ceremony and market stalls so it really was a great day all round.”
Many stories were also shared throughout the day, highlighting how healthcare has changed over the decades.
Chair of the Inglewood Community Advisory Network and member of the Inglewood Multipurpose Health Service Management Committee Marie Pietsch related that the hospital first opened for a total cost of £3,000.
“It’s very hard to imagine what sort of health service that was, compared to what we’ve got now,” Ms Pietsch said, who is also a member if the Darling Downs Health Board.
“It was a memorial hospital when it was opened in memory of those from the district who served in World War I, and then in 2000 it became a multipurpose health service.”
Inglewood Multipurpose Health Service has a state-of-the-art emergency department with two beds and a telehealth service.
“After the complete rebuild we have one end of the hospital which is aged care residential and one end which is acute,” Ms Pietsch said.
“There’s also a large community involvement and numerous volunteers who help with the running of the hospital.
“From the hospital auxiliary to our community advisory network and all the other service clubs, they all contribute to helping raise funds for things like a refurbishment of the palliative care room,” she said.
Ms Pietsch is also Chair of the Inglewood Community Advisory Network and a member of the Inglewood Multipurpose Health Service Management Committee.
The Health Service provides emergency, aged care, community and allied health services to the surrounding areas.
Rural Executive Director Dr Chris Cowling said the facility is about so much more than the bricks and mortar.
“It’s about the parents and children who can access emergency care in the middle of the night, and the support given to generations of families,” Dr Cowling said.
“It’s about the many passionate and professional staff who work in this region to make a difference.”
“Darling Downs Health is committed to providing quality care in regional communities, recognising the importance of investing in services like Inglewood Hospital.”
