An important late 19th century public building well maintained and retaining original function. Embodies the principles of hospital design laid down by Florence Nightingale. A substantial building, located prominently on a corner, which makes a significant contribution to the townscape of Bathurst, expressing the wealth and optimism of late nineteenth century Bathurst.

"The history of the development of Bathurst Hospital demonstrates the overall development of health facilities in new South Wales, namely the end of the convict era, the changing commitments of the British Government and its declining support of the colony, the efforts of the citizens of Bathurst to build a new hospital to serve the growing population, medical developments through the period and social attitudes to the sick through the period. The hospital has associations with a range of noted individuals including Florence Nightingale, Lord Loftus, Governor of New South Wales who opened the building, the Hon, J.B. Chifley, later Prime Minister of Australia who was Chairman of the hospital board for a number of year, children's illustrator Pixie O'Hare's and the local community who actively pursued its inception and facilitated further development on the site until the present day.
"Bathurst Hospital is a rare example of a designed hospital of outstanding architectural accomplishment, which in its overall concept and fine detailing makes a significant contribution to the series of outstanding public buildings in the town of Bathurst, reflecting late 19the century wealth and optimism. The hospital was designed by Sydney architect William Boles with the design approved by Florence Nightingale, a mid-19the century reformer of hospital sanitation methods and nursing pioneer. Later extensions were designed by various Government Architects, their staff and local architects. It is a landmark building in the town, with a distinctive roofscape, built on high land, which affords views to and from the building."
(CMP 2005)

Source:

NSW Heritage Branch

Location:

Howick Street, Bathurst, NSW

Longitude:

149.58243802

Latitude:

-33.4187489902