History of Dalcross
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Dalcross Private Hospital Killara |
1912 - 1961
Early records are not specific about the date on which the original Federation building was commenced or completed, but the land was purchased by the builders Hinley on 21 January 1911 and it is reasonable to assume that the house was built soon after. Miss M Ray started the hospital in 1912 naming it “Chesalon”. There were 23 beds and an operating theatre on the upper floor which was usual at that time.
In 1923, she sold the hospital to the McIntosh family, who renamed “Dalcross” after the scottish seat of the McIntosh Clan. Dalcross was originally an obstetric hospital, however illnesses of all types and surgery increasingly became an important part of the hospital’s activity. By 1942, obstetrics was abandoned. The hospital was very successful and became an interal part of the local community, the majority of whom were born here, eventually died here and in between were treated for many ailments. In the latter years, the old verandahs were enclosed and converted into wards to meet the demand.
In 1961, Miss McIntosh retired and the hospital was sold to Herbert Altman.
1961-1987
Immediately following the purchase, Mr Altman built a new surgical wing behind the old hospital building. This increased the bed capacity from 23 to 60; provided a modern operating theatre and a lift to transport patients. It was opened in 1963 and the old south wing became a medical ward.
In 1968 the property was sold to Mr Goldberg, of Protea Pharmaceuticals, and continued under his care until 1976 when it was again sold to Victor Hammond. It was early in this period that the second new wing was built; the first one having run in an east to west direction and this one at right angles in a north-south fashion. Comfortable suites with two beds and ensuite bathrooms raised the standard of accommodation considerably, and increased the number of beds to 91. A second operating theatre was also added.
In 1987, in agreement with the Health Department, the original building was decommissioned as inpatient accommodation because of modern safety and fire department requirements. The capacity of the hospital was reduced to 58 beds and the federation building was used for radiology and office accommodation. Licensed beds remained at 91.
The whole hospital was in need of refurbishment and the general maintenance had been neglected. Various inspections by the Health Authorities and Council highlighted many areas requiring attention. The owners considered development, but in 1987 their application for the construction of a new front two-storey hospital wing was refused.
1987 – 1992
In 1988 the owners considered relocating the hospital to a new site and converting the hospital to a retirement complex. This did not eventuate and in 1989 the hospital was sold to the Norton Group of Companies. This company had specific intentions to redevelop the hospital into a modern private hospital and was successful in 1990 with their development application to demolish the federation building and construct a two storey 91 bed hospital, 2 theatres and a Day Surgery Unit with under cover parking.
Unfortunately, in September 1990 the Norton Group of Companies was placed in receivership. The ownership of the hospital reverted to Natwest Bank. Various valuations, alternatives, market opportunities and even closure were considered by the bank. However, due to the commitment of the staff and medical practitioners and community support, the hospital remained open.
In the period of 1980- 1992, relations with local residents were very strained with number of court cases.
Natwest commenced the refurbishment of the hospital. Priority was given to the essential services such as Fire Department requirements, electrical installation, theatre air-conditioning, removal of incinerators, contaminated waste disposal, plumbing and hot water services. Theatres, ward accommodation and basic infrastructure remained inadequate and this factor coupled with the rebuilding of the Mater Hospital at Crows Nest had considerable impact on the traditional users of Dalcross Hospital, and occupancy declined.
In late 1991, the upper floor of the North Wing, adjacent to the theatres, was converted to a Day Surgical facility and expanded recovery ward. This was opened in April 1992. The decommissioned South Wing (Federation building) was converted into a rehabilitation unit approved by the Health Department.
A complete refurbishment, upgrading of technology and review of policy and procedure was undertaken. The hospital’s capacity was reduced from 58 beds to 38 beds plus 15 day surgical beds. In August 1992 the hospital was granted rehabilitation status by the Health Department in addition to the surgical and medical licence.
Dalcross Investments
The current owners purchased the hospital from the Receivers in December 1992. They immediately concentrated on achieving a first accreditation for the hospital. This took considerable resources to improve the general appearance of the hospital, investment in infrastructure, staff development and computer systems. The hospital was awarded 3 years accreditation in September 1993. This was a major accomplishment given the time period and the redevelopment required. It is difficult to imagine the state of disrepair. A number of basic facilities were totally neglected. The Department of Health came close on many occasions to decommission the entire hospital. A potential sale or alternative use application prevented this from occurring.
A significant early development was the construction of a Hydrotherapy Pool. This was commissioned in February 1993. It complemented the active Rehabilitation Program that was then promoted by the hospital.
The neurosurgeons from Royal North Shore Hospital commenced spinal surgery at the time. Increasingly, the Board recognized this development and started to purchase specialised equipment for this specialty A 9” image intensifier, specialised Andrews operating table, video endoscopic equipment, phaco emulsifier were all leased to support an increase surgery. It was recognised that the accommodation facilities were restrictive and needed modernising to remain competitive long-term. The theatres were inadequate and in need of major expansion. Despite increased utilisation the need to upgrade the Hospital was essential.
A business plan was prepared, detailing the direction for the hospital. In summary its recommended:
- Expansion of the beds from 38 to 56 beds
- Sale of surplus land an property
- Develop the theatre block and expanding the capacity to three theatres
- Construction of an Intensive Care
- Explore the possibility of providing diagnostic facilities
- Specialisation in niche specialties
The funding for these developments were approved by the Commonwealth Development Bank which resulted in the total restructure of the finance of the hospital. The total development took 18 months to complete which was a major disruption to activities of the hospital. Especially, given the extent of building work, restricted site and maintaining the growth of the hospital. It is a miracle that the work was completed on time and without curtailing any of the services of the hospital.
The hospital was totally transformed from a “cottage” hospital operating on “lumps and bumps” at the time of accreditation to a small acute, highly specialised, modern hospital. Building work was completed in March 1995. The hospital quickly became established as the busiest, most comprehensive private neurosurgical hospital in Australia.
Strong commitment exists to continue our specialisation. The foundations are now established for ongoing research and development in these areas.
Dalcross will continue to make a real contribution to the well being of the North Shore Community.
The board mission remains:
- To provide a niche range of quality surgical, medical, and rehabilitation services at affordable rates to its community.
- To promote, support and maintain a safe, secure and rewarding work environment for our employees.
- To achieve a reasonable, sustained, long term return for our shareholders
Dalcross Private Hospital - Local Care, World Class treatment! |
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