Buderim Private Hospital is celebrating its 42nd year of caring for the Sunshine Coast community.
Officially opening on 5 July in 1980 as a small community hospital with 48 patient beds, the hospital has grown to include 196 patient beds, eight operating theatres, two cardiovascular theatres and a range of other specialised services such as cardiac, mental health, maternity, surgical, rehabilitation as well as the Sunshine Coast’s first private Emergency Centre.
To help celebrate the day, staff members were gifted with a special cupcake and a blessing was delivered to the entire hospital by the Executive and Pastoral Care teams.
“We reflect and give thanks for those past and those present for the common vision, drive and passion to serve and to help others. We reflect and give thanks for the many and varied contributions that have and still make this possible.”
“We reflect and give thanks for the special gift of each other. We bless and pray for this hospital, its team and the services it provides.”
“We pray for all who will come to this place seeking help, direction, and assistance with the scenarios they face.”
“May in moments for some who may come with the unknown, with uncertainty, with fear and with pain, may they know and find deep strength, courage and opportunity for change in their scenarios here.”
“May it be a place of hope, healing and wholeness for all and for this to be done through those who contribute here in this place.”
“And for those scenarios at times that may not change or even become more difficult or have outcomes unwanted, may those involved find great comfort, care and deep compassion through all whom tend to them.”
Buderim Private Hospital cares for more than 25,000 patients every year, has delivered more than 15,000 babies and employs almost 800 local people.
The hospital was the vision of a local GP’s wife, Mrs Elsa Wilson, who dreamed of establishing a community hospital in Buderim. In 1977 Mrs Wilson hosted a dinner party in her home and pitched her idea to her guests, which included an architect and two surgeons. Her idea was received with considerable interest, a committee was formed and plans developed.
Unfortunately, Mrs Wilson passed away from cancer in 1982 shortly after the hospital opening. As a tribute to the remarkable woman, the hospital now stands on ‘Elsa Wilson Drive.’
As part of UnitingCare, the Buderim Private Hospital is owned by the Uniting Church and is the only not-for-profit provider of private hospital services on the Sunshine Coast.