Royal Visit – 11 February 1954

Excerpt from the 62nd Annual Report – 1954

The most memorable event in the last hospital year was the Royal Progress to Wollongong on 11th February, 1954, of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. Rain early in the morning threatened to cancel the arrangements made over several days, but at 10.30 a.m., the time of the passing of this hospital, a beneficent sun revived the enthusiasm of the staff and patients who had patiently awaited the great moment.  The scene to Her Majesty was a line of 300 uniformed doctors and nurses from the St. George and Canterbury Hospitals, with the other staff in the rear, in front 100 patients, mostly children, accommodated on beds, trolleys and seats, according to their disabilities, the whole being outlined by a sign 40 feet in length stated that “The St George Hospital Welcomes Her Majesty.” The passing was, of necessity, of very short duration, but the hard work of the staff in transporting over a long distance those of the patients well enough to attend was inspired by a desire to show to our Royal Guests its abounding loyalty and affection to them, and a wish that as many of the patients as possible, especially the children, could share in that joyous time. To the Police Department, Department of Education, St. Patrick’s Church and Kogarah Municipal Council, the hospital extends its thanks for the co-operation evinced as well as its congratulations for the meticulous planning which made possible an occasion which will be long remembered by those present.