By STEVE GRAY
IN the early days of health care in Texas the community would hold an annual firewood day to collect the year’s worth of timber needed to run the hospital.
Times have changed, but community support remains a constant as the Texas Multipurpose Health Service prepares for its centenary this weekend.
Health Minister and Member for Southern Downs Lawrence Springborg said the high level of community involvement in establishing the hospital on 3 December 1913 – and in its operations since then – was proof of the extraordinary role the local health service has played in everyday life.
“As far back as 1910 the Texas community raised funds to build a local hospital to service residents of the border town and beyond,” Mr Springborg said.
“The fund-raising back then involved dances, sports days, race events and even euchre days.”
Another constant from early last century was the need to recruit and retain nursing staff. The golf club offered free membership and the hospital auxiliary paid nurses an extra pound a week.
Mr Springborg said the multipurpose health service (MPHS) today operated as a ”community wellness hub” which incorporated an onsite heated pool and gym as well as a wide range of health services.
“The wellness hub has received a big ‘thumbs up’ from the local community, as has the provision of residential care facilities at the service,” he said.
“I am pleased that a recent application to the Commonwealth Government to increase the number of aged care beds was approved, meaning more people will be able to stay in their home community close to family and friends.
“The MPHS employs around 50 people, with some staff having more than 35 years of service and many others having 25 years or more to their name,” Mr Springborg said.
“The health service has always been grateful for the support of the hospital auxiliary. It was only recently that more than $10,000 was donated to buy some valued equipment that helps improve patient care and experiences.
“Clearly the Texas Multipurpose Health Service is a valued and integral part of the community and I look forward to the next milestone celebrations for this wonderful facility.”
TIMELINE
n Original hospital opened on 3 December 1913.
n Maternity ward – tenders called in 1928.
n The hospital auxiliary was established in 1949 and continues to play a vital role in helping provide enhanced services to patients, their families and the broader community.
n The main building of the hospital (to replace the old hospital) foundation stone laid on 14 May 1966, and was opened 15 July 1967.
n The Dr Glover Wing (currently Accident and Emergency) was opened on 30 June 1984.
n The community rallied in 1992 to stop the hospital from closing.
n Community Health was established on 27 January 1995.
n Established as a Multipurpose Health Service in 2000, when the Community Advisory Network was also formed as an important part of the service to help set direction and priorities.
n The heated pool was installed in 2002, initially as a staff facility but it was recently upgraded for community use.
n The new MPHS extension was opened on 23 June 2004.
n The community gym was established in 2008.
