14 —Deniliquin’s 175th Anniversary – Souvenir Publication, Friday, December 15, 2017
Providing health services eniliquin Hospital has been an integral part of the Deniliquin community for more than 150 years. The hospital celebrated its 150th birthday in 2008 with a massive celebration spanning a whole weekend. Deniliquin Hospital has come a long way from its humble beginnings way back in the 19th Century. From its origins as a wooden hut to the sprawling building it is today, this iconic Charlotte St health centre has touched the lives of so many townspeople. Deniliquin Hospital was originally two separate buildings, one on the south side of the river and one on the northern side. The hospital was once registered as a training school for nurses aides in 1971 and facilities were expanded to increase nurse accommodation from 22 to 39 and included a matrons flat. The nurse training school was closed in 1982 and the building now houses the Deniliquin Community Health Centre. The health service is also a major employer in Deniliquin with a close-knit staff that has strong connections to the community. Many staff members are local and have grown up in Deniliquin, or raised their families here. Deniliquin Hospital benefits from the generosity of several community groups, a symbol of its importance to our town. The hospital currently consists of several departments, under the guidance of Cluster Manager David Jackson and his dedicated staff. The services include 24-hour accident and emergency, surgery, the Middleton Gorman Wing, maternity, X-ray, community health, allied health, mental health, palliative care, cardiac rehab/pulmonary rehabilitation, pathology and clinical education. Deniliquin Hospital is also supported by several local auxiliaries, who spend many
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■ Deniliquin Hospital celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2008. Originally there were two hospitals, in the north and south of town, before the Charlotte St site became established at its long-term home. Photo courtesy Our Heritage. hours fundraising for the different departments. Deniliquin Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC) also strives to maintain the continuity of services that have been delivered at Deniliquin Hospital. The committee is essentially the voice of Deniliquin in regard to health and endeavours to put forward the views of the community to Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD). One of the most recent major issues facing Deniliquin Hospital was the creation of a renal dialysis centre. Local woman and renal dialysis patient Linda Rumble led the push for a dialysis centre at the hospital,
with support from Deniliquin Pastoral Times and former Member for MurrayDarling John Williams. Following a continued community campaign, MLHD opened a temporary renal dialysis satellite unit in December 2016 to provide support for the local community and reduce the need for people to travel for the service. In a major development, work is underway on construction of a new $1 million nine chair renal dialysis satellite service in partnership with Royal Melbourne Hospital for Deniliquin and district patients, which is due to open in early 2018. A new $720,000 maternity unit was open-
ed in mid-2013 supporting a new midwifery led model of care with local GP obstetricians and provides care 24 hours, seven days. The number of births in the fully functioning and staffed unit in 2017 are expected to exceed last year. Other service improvements at Deniliquin Hospital in recent years include a $1 million CT scanner, the opening of the Deniliquin Oncology Outreach Unit, a $322,000 digital imaging equipment upgrade, an upgrade to nurses’ accommodation, installation of wi-fi throughout the facility and the introduction of electronic patient medical records. Nurse recruitment efforts have resulted in a stable workforce at Deniliquin with 10 new nurses appointed since January 2017, including a new senior nursing position, a Clinical Midwifery Consultant. Deniliquin Health Service is highly regarded by its community with nominations in the Deniliquin Business Excellence Awards and outstanding feedback in the recent NSW Health Patient Survey results, with 87 per cent of patients surveyed saying they would speak highly of their experience (compared to 78 per cent for NSW hospitals overall and 77 per cent for all MLHD hospitals). Deniliquin Health Service was also recognised by MLHD at its recent Excellence Awards, with the Renal Unit team winning the Collaboration & Partnership Award for its initiative in undertaking further training in Melbourne to support local renal dialysis patients. Deniliquin Health Service has a strong and positive future and the highly dedicated nursing, medical and support staff are committed to providing high quality health care services for their local community.
Deniliquin Travel Centre A true local for over 50 years and still going strong!
Murray Constructions Pty Ltd is a locally owned and run business, operating out of Deniliquin, New South Wales. From George Arthur Travel in the 60’s to Deniliquin Travel Centre as we know it today, this business continues to grow and thrive in the community with expert knowledge at your doorstep. Its local, well-travelled and experienced staff can advise you on every corner of the globe. They take pride in their ability to service the individual needs of their clients and share in the travel experience. One thing is for sure - the same great service they provide will never go on holidays! Ask the friendly team at 358 Cressy Street about all of your travel needs and aspirations. Without a travel agent, you’re on your own!
Deniliquin Travel Centre 358 Cressy Street, Deniliquin. Phone 5881 7744
The company was founded by Mr Ronald Murray Senior over 40 years ago, specifically as bridge construction. The ownership and directing of the business now lies with father and son Stephen and Jeremy Murray. The nature of the business has been broadened to include construction of general civil engineering works, precast prestressed concrete production along with an increase in the range of equipment available and equipment for hire.
We also offer a wide range of services including project management, earth boring and pile driving, licenced demolition and asbestos removal, retaining walls, general civil engineering work, tilt-slab construction, general concreting and erosion control. Murray Constructions is prequalified with RMS NSW and VicRoads within the bridge industry, And obtained accreditation ISO 9001:2015 for Safety, Quality and Environmental. Thankyou to our local clients for your continued support and Congratulations to Deniliquin on 175 years.
p (03) 5881 3104 m 0428 611 203 e admin@murrayconstructions.com.au 364 Augustus Street, Deniliquin