When you think about it, the ‘birth’ of today’s GV Health was somewhat miraculous.
Mooroopna had a population of 200 determined and focused people, a committee instructed to build a hospital, and no doctor resident in the town.
But it happened.
It was a small, two-bed shack on the banks of the Goulburn, staffed by local ladies to comfort the patients.
Not for long — by the following year, 1877, they had a local doctor and were planning a larger, weatherboard building on the north side of McLennan St.
The fundraising and community support were ongoing for generations.
I remember my grandmother (in hat and gloves) attending hospital auxiliary meetings in the 1950s.
And I remember her cooking and baking (without the hat and gloves) for functions, street stalls and anything else that would raise money for the hospital.
She was just one of many. From little things, big things grow.
From two beds to 260
There has been a lot happening for GV Health, as it celebrates its 150th anniversary.
First, the launch of the remarkable book Proud to Serve; closely followed by a staff reunion ball.
So, I organised a chat with GV Health chief executive Matt Sharp.
In the first few minutes, I felt I knew quite a bit about Matt, and my first thought was “born to lead”.
He has a quiet, gentle strength and real passion for his work, particularly his staff.
He is proud of his people (and told me several times).
He is proud of their commitment to their patients; their jobs can be heartbreaking — and joyful on other occasions; as well as their commitment to their teammates and the hospital itself.
At the launch of Proud to Serve, Anne Lawler reminded him that her service had been 46 years and nine months, when she retired — a remarkable achievement.
Matt said the Annual Staff Service Recognition Awards were one of his favourite occasions.
At this time, he asks staff who have been at GV Health for more than 20 years to reflect on their time and share a memory about what was important to them.
Overwhelmingly, they talk about the friendships they have formed with their colleagues over the years.
Some of the reflections also touch on previous hospital balls in the 1980s and ’90s; and some remember the wheelchair races around the wards and games of cricket in the corridors. Today, with the hospital busy 24/7, these are no longer possible — and may not be appropriate.
From the beginning, the hospital has been closely connected to the community it serves, and Gwen Chapman reminded Matt of this at the book launch.
He spoke to me about the sense of ownership the community has for GV Health, which he believes can be traced back to when the community-owned hospital began at Mooroopna, and which remains part of GV Health’s fabric today.
Whether through volunteers, fundraising, advocacy or simply the trust placed in GV Health, the community has always been part of the journey.
The community is a very real part of the culture of GV Health; and the hospital is an important part of Greater Shepparton’s community.
Matt understands the relationship is enduring and built on this long-term connection over 150 years.
He also talked about the constant, ongoing change — from a small hospital in Mooroopna, to one of regional Victoria’s largest health services.
We have seen new hospitals built, new services introduced and enormous advances in healthcare.
What hasn’t changed is the commitment of staff to caring for others — and the community connection and sense of ownership.
Exciting future and good news
The strong foundations constructed by generations of staff, and our community, give us all every reason to be optimistic.
There are plenty of opportunities. The future, although it will look different, will be built on the values that have guided GV Health for 150 years.
Many of you will be pleased to know that a selection of the paintings from the old children’s ward are being rescued — and will be a part of our future.
Take care and may it be easy, my friends.
Marnie
Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au
Phone: Text or call 0409 317187
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