Staff share memories on eve of John Fawkner Private Hospital’s 80th anniversary

They were born there, grew up to work there — and some even spent their dying days there. Now, staff at this Coburg hospital have shared their deep connections to the northern suburbs landmark as it celebrates its 80th anniversary.

Generic external photos of John Fawkner Private Hospital a Healthscope owned hospital in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday, May 14, 2010. Healthscope Ltd., AustraliaÕs second- largest hospital owner, rose the most in a decade in Sydney trading after receiving a buyout proposal from a private equity group valuing the company at about A$1.74 billion ($1.6 billion). Photographer: Luis Enrique Ascui/Bloomberg News

There was a degree of finality when Simon Paolo was born at John Fawkner Private Hospital in 1979 — it even made the newspaper, complete with a black and white photo of him and proud mum surrounded by nurses.

But little did those who welcomed Simon into the world know, his birth also symbolised the beginning of a connection, which has lasted to this day.

Mr Paolo was the last baby born at John Fawkner’s maternity unit (Sacred Heart Hospital) and said it spurred a passion for the hospital, which will celebrate its 80th anniversary this month.

For years Mr Paolo was part of the team of nurses in the hospital’s emergency department, who are committed to carrying on the tradition of high quality care, which began in 1939 when the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart opened the hospital.

Simon Paolo was the last baby born at John Fawkner’s maternity unit in 1979.

“I started nursing at John Fawkner. I did my grad year there. Mum worked there as well as a midwife and spent her last days there where they cared for her before she passed away 17 years ago,” he said.

“It’s a great hospital with a great team who are committed to caring for the community.”

Earlier this year, Simon changed careers to become a firefighter.

However, he still does the occasional nursing shift “just to touch base”.

“I’m still learning a whole heap, but working as a firefighter is still providing care, and I use my critical care skills in the emergency responses that fireys attend to,” he said.

Sr Ildephonsa and Sr Britonia in the original operating theatre at John Fawkner Private Hospital.

Cardiologist James Wong described working at John Fawkner as “homely” and, like Mr Paolo, has a deep connection to the hospital.

“I spent my first days here, as I was born here more than 50 years ago and I’ve … come back to work here,” the Associate Professor said.

“I started my practice here 21 years ago. It was quite a moment for me when my dad looked around and said this is a very familiar place.

“It’s a very homely feel for me and a very good community hospital in the sense that when we walk down the street people do recognise you.”

Associate Professor James Wong was born at Fawkner Hospital more than 50 years ago and came back to work there.

The hospital has experienced significant changes since it first opened in 1939 as a 155 bed not-for-profit hospital known as Sacred Heart Hospital.

Throughout the years it added a 24-hour emergency department, more private rooms and beds and complex technology for services such as neurosurgery.

In 1992 the hospital changed its name to become John Fawkner Hospital.

A major redevelopment, which cost in excess of $40 million, is due to open this year and includes a new Critical Care Complex (Intensive Care and Coronary Care beds), a new inpatient unit, a redeveloped Emergency Department and Central Sterile Supply Department, as well as new operating theatres, a new main reception and patient administration area.

One of John Fawkner Private Hospital's operating theatres in 2019.

John Fawkner Private Hospital now provides care for more than 30,000 patients each year across Melbourne’s north west.

MORE:

UBER USED AS GETAWAY CAR BY TEEN CRIMINAL

MERRI HEALTH SAYS PARKING RESTRICTIONS COULD FORCE SHUTDOWNS

ELDERLY MAN STABBED AFTER VERBAL STOUSH IN CRAIGIEBURN CHEMIST

But hospital General Manager David Hoy said what had remained constant was the care provided to patients and the hospital’s strong connection to the local community.

“With a long history of maternity services many people in the local community have an attachment to John Fawkner Hospital,” Mr Hoy said.

The hospital will celebrate its anniversary on October 10.