Two medical identities who helped shape services at Dubbo Hospital have been recognised with the naming of the administration building (formerly the Maternity Unit) and medical library on Monday.
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Dr Ian Locke, Dubbo’s first paediatrician, and George Hatch, the state’s first male nurse who trained more than 600 nurses during his 44 years at the then Dubbo Base Hospital, were honoured in an official ceremony before their families, friends, dignitaries and former colleagues.
The refurbished maternity building has been named the Ian Locke Building in recognition of Dr Locke who worked at the hospital for 14 years until he died in 1992 aged 46. The medical library within the Ian Locke building has been named the George Hatch Medical Library, after the former George Hatch building was demolished to make way for the hospital redevelopment.
The two men’s families travelled from as far away as London to witness the ceremony.
“Dubbo was a significant part of our family life,” said Ian’s wife Jennifer, who herself served as Dubbo’s deputy mayor for two terms.
“But when Ian died it was actually very painful because it was so unexpected and it was difficult to come back.
“To know that the community of Dubbo haven’t forgotten him after 25 years is just the most wonderful, but emotional, experience for all of us and we really thank the community for honouring him in this way.”
Their children Hayden and Kate were born in the building.
“Thank you for remembering my darling husband, and father to my children and grandpa to grandchildren he’s never even seen,” Jennifer said.
Mr Hatch’s family and former colleagues were on hand to help officially name the George Hatch Medical Library; a wall graphic depicting his story history was unveiled alongside the original plaque from the old George Hatch building.
“He was a pioneer … an exceptional tutor,” said Bev Ferrari, who trained with Mr Hatch graduating in 1970.
“He was a father figure to a lot of those nurses, because a lot of them were isolated [and far from home],” said Helen Tarry, who carries on her uncle’s legacy as a nurse at Lourdes Hospital.
“It’s a relief that he hasn’t been forgotten.”
“Both Ian Locke and George Hatch made significant contributions to the health and wellbeing of people in Dubbo,” Dubbo MP Troy Grant said.
“I know their families are proud their legacies will live on through this building and library.”