The Royal Melbourne Hospital is a landmark of the city and holds the history of over 170-years within its walls. If walls could talk, the stories this hospital could tell would last another century and beyond. The rich history of this hospital has survived the decades thanks to the strong Royal Melbourne Hospital values instilled in each of its rooms, theatres and departments. Examining the Royal Melbourne Hospital history and values is an interesting case, sure to intrigue readers.

Humble beginnings

The early days of the Royal Melbourne hospital match their values perfectly. Caring is the number one priority at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, and that is exactly what was evident in 1841. It was at this time a group of caring citizens from the local community joined forces to develop and grow a village, to provide medical treatment to those who needed it most. This modest cottage-based medical centre was seen on Melbourne soil well before the Parliament House or the world-renowned Melbourne Cricket Ground. A short time after its humble start, the first foundations were laid for a more major medical centre in 1846, opening its doors to the public just two years later. During its first year of operation, the Royal Melbourne Hospital treated 89 inpatients and 98 outpatients, much smaller than the enormous number of patients treated today.

Growing to treat more

For many decades, this institution, one of the oldest in Melbourne continued treating patients as best they could. Embodying their value for excellence, in 1913, the Royal Melbourne Hospital underwent a complete rebuild to ensure it could continue to offer excellence in treatment to even more patients. In 1944, under the banner of their third core value of unity, the hospital moved location to its present campus in Parkville allowing this hospital to unite the citizens of Melbourne under the knowledge that when care was needed, the Royal Melbourne Hospital would always be there. Its previous location was refurbished and reused, still in use to this day, most Victorians will recognise the old Royal Melbourne Hospital as the QV Centre.

A new name and commitment

In 1935, the Royal Melbourne Hospital, by way of the Royal Charter, was born and committed to a policy of respect and integrity when treating all patients. At the forefront of medical treatment and technology, this wonderfully rich and historical hospital holds many firsts. The Royal Melbourne Hospital was the first to successfully transplant a kidney in Australia and developed Australia’s first cardiac pacemaker. These firsts continued into the 1990s when Australia’s first keyhole coronary bypass operation was performed within their walls. This hospital has continued to innovate and lead health care across Victoria and the country.

The Royal Melbourne Hospital values hold a rich tapestry of history and achievements within their walls. Committing to treat patients under their core values of caring, excellence, integrity, respect and unity, this hospital embodies what healthcare in Australia is all about, offering a caring hand when they need it most. Q Squared has an enviable location near The Royal Melbourne Hospital if you are looking for amazing accommodation close to The Royal Melbourne Hospital, contact our reservations team today to book your next room.