AGY-1996 | Garrawarra Hospital / Garrawarra Centre for Aged Care, Waterfall

Full description

In 1958 patient numbers at Waterfall Sanatorium had decreased to less than 100 due to improved treatment for tuberculosis, and the Hospital was converted to a centre for the care of patients with chronic diseases or diseases of the aged. To sever associations with it's past function the hospital was re-named Garrawarra Hospital.(1) During 1959 patients receiving treatment totalled 143 male patients, 76 female patients, and 340 "male workers", at the end of the year 58 male patients, 52 female patients, and 77 "male workers" remained in residence. The majority of patients, 72%, were in the 60-85 years age group, and within this 50% were between 70-85 years.(2) By 1993 the hospital was known as Garrawarra Centre for Aged Care, and operated as a public nursing home caring for frail aged and dementia residents. The Centre's services included rehabilitation and respite care, day care activities, and the operation of a small hostel.(3) FOOTNOTES 1.Health Dept, Histories of various NSW Government Hospitals 1879-1980, Folder for Garrawarra (Waterfall Sanatorium), SRNSW Ref: 10/50590 2.ibid 3.Report of the Southern Sydney Area Health Service for the year ended 30 June 1994, p.47