Cutting edge of medical science
On 1 July 1938 a pathology unit finally opened at Maitland Hospital. It was a long-time in coming. The hospital’s medical officers and members of the hospital committee had been stating the need as ‘urgent’ from early in the twentieth century.
“the need... existed for a pathologist in the district”
“Still, the great necessity exists for a resident pathologist, and although the Minister for Health assured us some few months ago that no men were available for the position, I would ask the committee to urge our claims again and again.”
Maitland Mercury, 20 April 1934.
Dr Keith Klein was an honorary medical officer at The Maitland Hospital.
At the time of its construction the new pathology building was described as ‘beautifully designed’, ‘in harmony with the existing buildings’ and to contain ‘the latest equipment’ (Maitland Mercury, 3 Feb 1938).
The first pathologist was Dr Ethel Byrne. Based at the Newcastle Hospital and already a visiting pathologist at Kurri Kurri, Byrne commuted to Maitland. She was paid £5 per week for her services. These included training staff to act as technical assistants. Nurse Nancy Finney was the first to receive the training and was placed in charge of the unit. (Maitland Mercury, 27 August 1937, 10 Nov 1938, 12 Dec 1938)
Within its first month, the unit processed tests for 40 patients and, in the second month,112. It was also soon calling for the donation of guinea pigs that, housed next to the pathology block, would be used for experiments. (Maitland Mercury, 12 Dec 1938)
Over the second half of the twentieth century, the unit expanded in terms of staff, facilities and the range of tests and specialisations covered. The changes are reflective of the changing role and significance of pathology.
“From the uncertain science of earlier this century, pathology nowadays is at the cutting edge of medical science and health care, and very little medical research proceeds without it.”
Maitland Mercury, 27 August 1992.
(Maitland and District Historical Society, Pam Files)
The 2021 pathology unit, located on level 4 of Block I in what was originally the Addison Ward, is captured in photographs taken by Catharine Neilson on 7 June 2021.
