Charlton Campus History

The Birth of the Charlton Bush Nursing Hospital

In the early 1920’s Dr W.E. Wilson built a private hospital and residence in Peel Street and Dr Robinson attended his patients in Nurse McLean’s private Hospital (Lanark) in Mildura Way. 

The Charlton Bush Nursing Hospital was established following a resolution passed at a public meeting held on September 2nd 1936, when it was decided to acquire “Lanark Private Hospital” as a going concern. It was also decided that the goodwill of the hospital, operated by Dr W.E. Wilson, adjoining his surgery in Peel Street be purchased. 

Since the establishment of the Charlton Bush Nursing Hospital, a brick maternity Block has been added which was financed by a further loan from the Victorian Bush nursing Association. A new 12 bed Bush Nursing Hospital and a detached Nurses home was completed in June 1965. The government provided a 3 to 1 grant for the new $232,000 hospital building. The total contribution was raised by a loan from the Bush Nursing Association and $38,000 from private donations and local fund raising functions. The Menzies Street site was chosen for the new Hospital as it was a quiet area, easily accessible and had a pleasant outlook. The new hospital contained a four room midwifery wing with nursery and labour ward, 8 bed section for general and surgical cases, equipped with an operating theatre and a patient’s sunroom. An active Hospital Committee and Ladies Auxiliary have worked tirelessly to update and continue the high standards of this hospital. In 1977 a large lounge room and bathroom and doctors change rooms were added. In 1983 the Hospital received government approval for a 10 bed Nursing Home and tenders were called soon after. The estimated cost was $440,000 with a government grant provided $140,000. Early in 1984 Professional Fundraisers were called in to organise a highly successful public appeal for $250,000. By the end of March the total easily passed the target to reach $360,000 and the new Nursing Home was officially opened, debt free on 9th December 1984. 

In October 1984 the Charlton Bush Nursing Hospital hosted the annual 3WM Radio Hospital Appeal as a family day Fundraiser for the planned extensions costing over $200,000. $45,587 was raised on that day. The new Klunder Wing was built at the front of the existing Hospital. In 1989 an application was made to the Commonwealth Department of Health, Housing and Community Service to build a 5 bed Hostel adjoining the Nursing Home. Approval was given in 1990 with a $200,000 Government Grant. Work commenced in 1992 and completed in July 1992 and officially opened in November 1992. The aim of the Hostel was to provide a home like environment. 

Charlton Bush Nursing Hospital amalgamated in 1999 to become the East Wimmera Health Service Charlton Campus. Further building works have occurred in 2006/2007 with the relocation of the Charlton Medical Centre from High Street to Menzies Street Charlton. These modern co-located facilities greatly improve patient comfort, the amenities and delivery of service.