History of great care celebrated at Mundubbera book launch
A book celebrating the history of public health care in the Mundubbera community has been launched at a special dinner marking 20 years since the opening of the town’s Multipurpose Health Service.
The Mundubbera Hospital Auxiliary was joined by 120 community members when it hosted the launch on Saturday night of The History of the Mundubbera Hospital 1923-2019 by Sue Croft, at the Mundubbera Bowls Club.
Among the attendees were Peter, Bill and Rob O’Regan, who are the sons of Dr Stanely O’Regan, the first medical superintendent of the original Mundubbera Hospital.
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Board Chair Peta Jamieson and current superintendent of Mundubbera MPHS Dr Graham Rowles spoke about the changes in health care over the years, in areas including technology, staffing and the broad range of services provided.
“It was a wonderful evening celebrating 96 years of health care in the Mundubbera community and the 20th anniversary of the move into the MPHS building,” Ms Jamieson said.
“It’s important to reflect on that history, and the people who played vital roles in caring for their community.
“This new book provides a living document that records and pays testament to that history, enabling people to reflect on the journey of public health care in the Mundubbera area.
“While much has changed about healthcare and the services provided at Mundubbera over the years, what hasn’t changed is that they’ve been delivered by people who are dedicated, compassionate and caring.
“I want to thank Mundubbera Hospital Auxiliary and everyone involved in making the book possible, as well as for their work organising a wonderful evening celebrating those milestones and memories of health care in the town.”
On top of serving as the launch of the book and anniversary of the hospital move, the evening was a fundraiser for the refurbishment of the palliative care area with an auction raising more than $8,000 for the project.
“It was amazing to see so many of the community come together for this auspicious occasion,” Mundubbera Multipurpose Health Service Director of Nursing Jan-Adele Hotz said.
“Mundubbera hospital staff, residents and patients are truly thankful for the support of the Mundubbera Hospital Auxiliary, who work tirelessly for the betterment of the facility.
“Special thanks to president Monica Wooldridge and her committee, who were the drivers for this event and spent many hours ensuring its success.
“Book author Sue Crofts is also to be congratulated on the amazing job she has done ensuring the history of the Mundubbera hospital up until 2019 will be forever in print and appropriately remembered.”
