Prince Henry Hospital
Originally known as the Coast Hospital, Prince Henry had its origins managing patients with infectious diseases such as smallpox (outbreak in 1881), diphtheria, tuberculosis and scarlet fever. In 1900 there was an outbreak of the bubonic plague, with 303 cases reported and 103 deaths, and a further outbreak in 1921. In 1919 the 1918 flu pandemic reached Sydney, requiring the full resources of the hospital.
Within its grounds was a lazar house for the treatment/quarantining of those with leprosy. During both world wars soldiers with venereal disease were admitted to the hospital.
In 1934 the Coast Hospital was renamed the Prince Henry Hospital of Sydney on the occasion of the visit of the Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, and major building works commenced to increase the capacity to 1000 beds. With the passing of the Prince Henry Hospital Act 1936, it became a postgraduate teaching hospital. The Institute of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine was established in 1946 and was instrumental in investigating the incidence of the Coxsackie virus (aseptic meningitis), poliomyelitis virus and was the first to isolate REO virus.
In 1970 the management of three hospitals - Prince Henry, Prince of Wales and Eastern Suburbs - was brought under one board. In 2001 Prince Henry's services were relocated to Randwick, where they were absorbed by Prince of Wales.
The Prince Henry site has since been sold for a housing redevelopment. According to the developer, Landcom, 19 NSW Heritage Registered buildings and features have been preserved. These include the RAF Memorial Clock tower, the wishing well, the water tower and original gates, as well as artisans' cottages and the Pine Cottage and Flowers wards.
Many of those who died at the hospital were buried at the Coast cemetery at Cape Banks.
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Restored weatherboard building on former Prince Henry grounds
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War Memorial Chapel, Prince Henry
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Memorial plaques outside chapel
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Coast Cemetery, originally attached to Coast Hospital
Read more about this topic: Prince Of Wales Hospital, Sydney, History
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