It was decided in 1947 to build a two storey domestic block at Wagga Base Hospital and use it to accommodate nurses until a three story Nurses’ Home could be built. Construction began in June 1948 but was delayed by a change of contractor and also by a shortage of bricks, caused as a result of the 1950 floods.
The building was completed by H.C. Buckman builders in 1952. There were twenty-five bedrooms each with built in wardrobes and dressing tables. The building contained linen cupboards, lounge, sewing and writing rooms and a sun balcony as well as a kitchenette. A self-contained flat for the matron was also included.
The building was named “Lewis House” in recognition of the outstanding service Hospital Chairman, Daniel E Lewis and the photo shows the official opening in 1953.
Daniel (Danny) Lewis was born in South Wales and migrated to Australia in 1906 and settled at Kembla Hieghts . At the age of fourteen he started work as coal miner with his father and three brothers for which he was paid eight shillings a day.
After thirteen years he studied and passed the Health Inspectors Examination and was appointed a Health Inspector by the Wagga Wagga Municipal Council in 1923. He became a member of the Hospital Committee (later Board) in 1924 suceeding Mr O. A. F. Robinson as Chairman in 1946. He remained Chairman until his retirement in 1962 having reached the compulsory retirement age of 70.
Source: Sherry Morris: A Delicate Balance, A History of Wagga Wagga Base Hospital.
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