150th Anniversary Celebrations

RPH Executive Director, Dr. Phillip Montgomery (left) and His Excellency, Lieutenant General
John Sanderson AC, Governor of Western Australia (right), cutting a special "Birthday" cake.

A staff soiree on Monday July 11, 2005 marked the opening of celebrations for Royal Perth Hospital's 150th anniversary.

The event was a huge success.  The special guests were randomly selected staff members from across the Hospital, and other guests included His Excellency Lieutenant General John Sanderson AC, Governor of Western Australia, the Lord Mayor Dr Peter Nattrass, the Honourable Sue Ellery Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health, and A/Director General of Health Dr Neale Fong.

The guest speaker was Australian of the Year and our own burn surgeon, Clinical Professor Fiona Wood.

During the week there was also a photographic and museum display on the Wellington Street overpass for staff and public to view.

A Jazz band entertained staff and visitors on the Wellington Street overpass at lunchtime on Thursday July 14, which was 150 years to the day that the Colonial Hospital opened.

On the Thursday all wards received balloons, patients received cake and bookmarks, and staff and volunteers received celebratory packs with a booklet, bookmark and badge - which many staff members are wearing.

The Ex-trainees and Friends sold merchandise during the week, with the RPH mugs and wine proving most popular.

On the Saturday, over 100 people attended the theatres open day, to see equipment displays and guided tours.

Many people also visited the museum, which was open for the entire month of July and is now open to the public on Thursdays 9am-2pm.

Thanks must go to the 150th Committee who worked so hard to make this a memorable occasion, the Ex-Trainees and Friends who generously volunteered their time and the staff for their enthusiasm and support.

July, 2005