The following memories and stories about the Maitland Hospital emerged from background research, and from being shared by artists, staff, volunteers, patients and community members.
We’re waiting with you.
Photographs from the Maitland Hospital Collection that capture moments of waiting, watching, helping and lounging around as well as celebratory and commemorative occasions. Prints of the photographs are now on the walls of the Outpatient wait areas in the new Maitland Hospital.
Imaging prints.
Mid-twentieth century images of the hospital printed from old photoengraving blocks, and now hanging in the Imaging wait area of the new Maitland Hospital.
Distract and play.
An artwork by Anita Johnson and a 1950s photograph as reminders of creative ways to distract and entertain children in the hospital. The items are on display in the new Maitland Hospital.
A new timeline.
The timeline created for the opening of the New Maitland Hospital in January 2022.
The smell of porridge.
Paediatrician Keith Howard shares his memories of working in the children’s ward at Maitland Hospital from the late 1970s to 2014.
Provided great enjoyment.
Rocking horses in the children’s ward from the mid-twentieth century provided some distraction for young patients.
Give … a cheerful atmosphere.
Some of the artworks that currently add colour and imagery to the hospital.
Uncle Tom.
The innovative campaign initiated by Thomas Pyman in 1903 to raise money to furnish the new children’s ward.
No separate children’s ward.
The different environments created for children at the hospital, ranging from no separate children’s ward to brightly coloured, dedicated spaces.