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.
Shot off a finger top.
Kelvin Russell shares the story of a cousin who ended up in Maitland Hospital after using a somewhat extreme first aid technique for snake bite.
Cutting the cake.
Suzanne Martin shares memories and memorabilia of her father, Bill Martin, and their family’s association with 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.
Working, caring, recovering, reflecting.
Catharine Neilson’s photographic portraits of people at the Maitland Hospital. Her photographic installation can be seen in the exhibition A Conspicuous Object at the Maitland Regional Art Gallery.
First light last light.
Oliver Harlan translates photographs and memories of Maitland Hospital into a 3D video experience that can be seen and heard.
Refused admission.
Brian Walsh shares the story of ticket-of-leave convict William McGill who was refused admission to Maitland Hospital.
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.
A Mother’s Day baby.
Miranda Lawry reflects on her third daughter’s birth at Maitland Hospital on Mother’s Day 1993.
Babies … came flying out of that shute!
Maitland residents’ memories of the maternity ward at Maitland Hospital.
The smell of freshly washed sheets.
Greg Parrey shares his memories of The Maitland Hospital.
Success as a surgeon.
1860s and 1870s new surgical procedures by one of The Maitland Hospital’s honorary medical officers, Alexander Morson.
That’s him there.
Kerrie Steward shares the story of her great-great-grandfather, Samuel Fairhall, who died after a fall from the hospital verandah.
Cured, relieved, died.
An overview of nineteenth century patient numbers at The Maitland Hospital.
Asylum to the sick and destitute.
The Maitland Benevolent Asylum, precursor to The Maitland Hospital.