Edward Millen Rotunda Hospital

DRAFT copy

References TBC

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A big thankyou to the Town of Victoria Park for granting me permission

to photograph the Edward Millen Heritage Complex!

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In 1911, midwife Mrs Elizabeth Baillie purchased the site, which would become known as Edward Millen House, in East Victoria Park. The site was double its current size, bordered by Albany Highway, Devenish Street, Hill View Terrace and Baillie Avenue.

The Rotunda Hospital building was subsequently constructed, modelled on a maternity hospital with the same name in Dublin.

 

Shortly after the end of the First World War, the Spanish Influenza swept the world. The hospital was taken over by the State Government on 7 June to 19 September 1919, accommodating patients suffering from the influenza.

Compulsory acquisition of the then-closed hospital in 1920 by the Repatriation Department saw its use reserved for ex-military personnel who had contracted tuberculosis. It was during this time the hospital was renamed Edward Millen. New wards, a fumitory and orderly accommodation were constructed with the Rotunda building converted into accommodation for staff.