Princess Margaret Hospital through the years

Old photo of Princess Margaret meeting a patient in a hospital bed.

As work nears completion on the construction of the Perth Children's Hospital we look back on the history of the city's paediatric hospital care.

When it opens next year the hospital will have 298 beds, 12 operating theatres and provide access to the latest facilities, all specifically designed around the needs of children and their support networks.

The $1.2 billion Perth Children’s Hospital will be the specialist paediatric hospital and trauma centre for WA. But it’s part of a much bigger healthcare picture, with other new and expanded facilities for families and children around the State.

And behind the scenes work is progressing on preparing staff for the transition from Princess Margaret Hospital to Perth Children’s Hospital.

Below is a selection of pictures showing Princess Margaret Hospital from its very earliest days.

Old hospital beds being wheeled down a street.

1909: Cots manufactured by the Cyclone Company Perth move down Murray St en route to the new children’s hospital.

People standing beside a hospital bed.

During the early years, the Children’s Hospital’s most reliable source of funds was via the system of cot endowment. Introduced not long after the hospital was opened, a pledge of £50 endowed a cot for a year and a £1000 donation would see the cot endowed for perpetuity. Cots were labelled with brass plaques acknowledging their subscriber. Many individuals, families and groups formed long associations with the hospital through cot endowment.

A party held in a hospital ward.

1950s: An example of the regular parties held for the patients.

Dignitaries and nurses talking to a patient in bed.

1957: Princess Margaret Hospital launches its own medical school. WB Mc Donald was appointed first Professor of Child Health. This is considered the start of PMH’s maturation from a community hospital to a recognised centre for paediatric teaching and research.

Princess Margaret meeting a patient in a hospital bed.

1972: Princess Margaret, after whom the hospital was named, visits.

Nurses tending to a newborn baby.

1980: The first dedicated Neonatal Intensive Care Unit opens to treat preterm and newborn babies.

The Charles Moore Building at Princess Margaret Hospital.

1986: The Charles Moore Building opens.

For more photographs of Princess Margaret Hospital from days gone by see PerthNow's photo gallery (external site) which includes images of Perth Children's Hospital.