Scarlet fever, the disease, historically depicted in literature and film, caused widespread fear and hardship, significantly impacting dairy farming communities. Numerous works illustrate its societal ramifications and personal tragedies. Notable figures who contracted scarlet fever included Thomas Edison and members of the Darwin family. Scarlet fever emerged in Camden in the late 1890s, prompting the establishment of a cottage hospital due to its severe impact on dairy farmers.
Tag: Medical history
Camden’s First Hospital: A Historical Insight
Camden historian Dr. Ian Willis will present a paper on the origins of Camden Cottage Hospital at the 2025 Australian Historical Association Annual Conference. His paper, focusing on the hospital's role in rural health from 1899-1902, highlights community resilience and offers insights into local history and heritage in New South Wales.
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Camden Cottage Hospital, from accidents to amputations and early patient experiences
The Camden Cottage Hospital, opened in April 1899, initially struggled with low patient admissions due to community reluctance. Early cases included accidents and serious conditions, leading to treatments and surgeries like amputations. By early 1900, there was increasing community trust and the permanent facility opened in May 1902.
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Camden Cottage Hospital – early English influences and the cottage hospital movement
The Camden Cottage Hospital, inspired by the English cottage hospital movement, was established in 1899 in New South Wales. This model provided the community with a small, welcoming healthcare facility, funded by donations and subscriptions. Over time, cottage hospitals became integral to the healthcare landscape in rural Australia, adapting local characteristics.
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Camden Cottage Hospital – foundation and early days
By the 1890s, Camden's economy depended on dairy, but health concerns arose due to contaminated water and infectious diseases like scarlet fever. In response, the community pushed for a cottage hospital, leading to its opening in 1899. Local efforts highlighted the crucial link between health and the dairy industry's sustainability.
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Local identities, Colin and Dorothy Clark
The life and times of Colin and Dorothy Clark were examples of active citizenship. Together they shaped a future for themselves in Camden and served their community, church and family.
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A scholarly visit to the harbour city
A scholarly visit to the harbour city of Auckland New Zealand by UOW historian Dr Ian Willis was an opportunity to learn more about medical history.
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Camden Hospital Nurses’ Quarters: cloistered veils
Over 700 people witnessed the opening of the Camden Hospital Nurses’ Quarters were opened in 1962 by the NSW Health Minister WF Sheahan.
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Carrington Centennial Hospital for Convalescents and Incurables, Camden
Carrington Centennial Hospital for Convalescents, opened in 1890 in Camden, NSW, embodied Florence Nightingale’s principles, emphasizing fresh air and proper ventilation for recovery. Established by philanthropist WH Paling, it was the first major convalescent facility in New South Wales, providing a restorative environment away from the urban pollution.
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Thomas Walker Convalescent Hospital Concord NSW
Out at Concord, located in Sydney's inner west, is the magnificent building of the former Thomas Walker Memorial Hospital for Convalescents, that is now the school Rivendell. It was recently open for inspection by the City of Canada Bay Heritage Society. The heritage society organises regular open days to continually raise public awareness of this… Continue reading Thomas Walker Convalescent Hospital Concord NSW
