Historical information

The original Tawonga District Hospital was situated at the corner of Ryder's Lane and Kiewa Valley Highway. The construction was initiated by the Hospital and Charities Commission with considerable assistance from the State Electricity Commission.The building was transported from Bonegilla where it was originally a part of the Bonegilla Military Hospital.
It started with 12 beds and eventually increased to a total of 35 beds. "Add ons" provided theatre, offices, stores and Nurses Home. It was officially opened on 24th September, 1949. Up until this time, any person requiring hospitalisation had to travel to Yackandandah. This photograph is of the theatre and there was no anaesthetic or recovery rooms. While rather primitive by todays standard, it met the demands of the construction days as well as that of the Kiewa Valley community.

Significance

Shows the rather spartan conditions and equipment of the theatre in the original Tawonga District Hospital compared to the present day hospital.

Physical description

Black and white photograph of the operating theatre in the original Tawonga District Hospital