Nurses have been caring for the Coledale community since 1917 when the Coledale Hospital opened its doors. Named the Illawarra Cottage Hospital, sometimes known as the Miners Hospital, it was built after local miners recognised the need for a hospital north of Bulli.
The government contributed £5000 and locals dug deep to raise the extra £2000 needed. Miners donated part of their wages, fundraising activities were held and Dr Dixon of Bulli donated some land, allowing construction to begin in 1915.
When it opened, the hospital had 15 beds and four cots. In an emergency, 21 beds could be provided. The early years were hard, with no running hot water or steriliser plants. Lack of electricity in the first few months meant that doctors operated under Millar lamps and nurses carried lanterns when on night duty.
With mining the major local source of employment, it was little wonder that the first patient was a miner. A 16-year-old boy broke his leg at Coal Cliff Colliery and was carried to the hospital by stretcher.
With few cars around and no ambulance station in the area, the Illawarra’s early paramedics also provided a valuable service.
In 1927, the 22 members of the Coledale Ambulance Class would meet every Tuesday night at Carrick’s shop, where they studied first aid techniques, then went on to sit for examinations.
Class members would go out into the bush and practise crafts, such as making bush stretchers, so the injured could be transported to hospital.
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