Our History

The hospital began in 1910 as a privately owned and managed private hospital.  At that time it was situated in a house owned by Mrs Jerome Minogue who was Mrs Daly’s mother of Clunie at Harrow .  This building was later owned by Mr. Tabby Preece and is now known as “Edenhope Antiques”.   

The hospital was rebuilt in 1930, on its present site, becoming two wards with a total of 5 beds.  Donations for the construction were sought with the help of many district people and Mrs. “Tug” Kealy who ventured out to collect them via horse and cart.  The Hospital continued to function as two wards until 1950, at which time management of the hospital was transferred to the Hospitals and Charities Commission.

The “Halahan Wing” which currently houses the Executive Offices was residence to Mr. McDonald who operated Horsham Drays, a gravel contractor for the Kowree Shire.  He also housed his horses at stables which were located where the current Elsie Bennett Community Centre stands today.  In winter times the stables were often flooded. 

During 1961 the hospital underwent an upgrade and was extended, making it a 23 bed hospital. In 1981 approval was given for 8 beds in the Nurses Home to be reallocated as 8 Nursing Home Beds, giving the hospital a total of 31 beds. 

In 1988/89, a new nursing home was built consistening of 18 beds.  This now created a facility of 20 acute beds and 18 nursing home beds. 

In 1998 the hospital opened its new 17 bed hostel and community health centre. 

The ownership of the Barkala Flats was transferred to Edenhope & District Memorial Hospital in 2001.  Of the 19 flats, 18 are used as accommodation for the Aged and Disabled while 1 is utilised by the hospital for short term accommodation for staff, students or other visitors as required.

In 2003, 5 beds were added to the hostel.