Celebrations at Mona Vale
Mona Vale hospital turns 60 Mona Vale Hospital celebrated its birthday with past and present staff who cared for the community over the past 60 years.
The hospital first opened its doors on 22 February 1964 after the community undertook a passionate campaign and fundraised for a hospital on the northern beaches. It initially accommodated 152 patients and was one of two hospitals on the northern beaches, with the other hospital at Manly. NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri acknowledged the community’s role in the hospital’s history. “Mona Vale Hospital has had a significant role in our district in being a major provider of rehabilitation services, since the opening of the assessment and rehabilitation unit in 1988. It was the first dedicated rehabilitation unit for people living on the Northern Beaches. It now provides care to over 445 admitted
patients each year,” he said. “The urgent care centre is also a service much valued by the local community, providing 24-hour care to the community for non-life threatening medical conditions. It plays a significant role in caring for the community and alleviating the pressure on Northern Beaches Hospital emergency department.” Following the opening of the palliative care unit in 2021, people on the northern beaches can
receive admitted palliative care close to home. The unit has also established itself as a supporter of corneal donation. “To everyone here who has played a part in Mona Vale Hospital’s history, congratulations!,” Anthony said. Staff celebrated with a special afternoon tea at the hospital’s Yarning Circle.
42 NSLHD 2024 Year in Review
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