For Jim Klages, 82, it was a step back in time at Lismore Base Hospital recently when he returned to tour the site after many years away.
Accompanied by his son Matthew, Jim was given an informal tour of the hospital by Acting Chief Executive Lynne Weir and Acting LBH General Manager Narelle Gleeson.
Jim served as Supervising Architect during the redevelopment of Lismore Base Hospital in the late 1980s, as part of his long career with NSW Public Works.
The redevelopment involved the demolition of the original hospital buildings on Uralba Street and the construction of major new facilities including four new operating theatres, two new wards and an orthopaedic ward, a new ICU and psychiatric ward, updated Accident and Emergency and Outpatients departments and new Medical Imaging, Pharmacy, and Medical Records departments
Jim’s architectural supervision helped lay the groundwork for what would become the Mahaffey Wing, which was officially opened in 1993, marking completion of the works.
The redevelopment was transformative, modernising the hospital into a high-functioning, contemporary health facility serving the broader Northern Rivers region.
Matthew Klages, who grew up with his family close to the hospital, remembered the site with fondness.
“All of the children of hospital staff used to love to swim in the pool near to the nurses’ quarters at Crawford House,” Matt said.
“We would run around and have a great time playing in the area.”
While the pool is no longer in operation, Jim and Matt enjoyed walking through the old halls and wards of the hospital, reminiscing about days past.
Now based in Melbourne, the Klages’ visit to Lismore Base Hospital was one of the highlights of their road trip up the East Coast.
Lynne said it had been a privilege to show Jim and Matt around the older parts of the hospital.
Pictured:
Matthew Klages, Narelle Gleeson, Jim Klages and Lynne Weir on their tour of Lismore Base Hospital