Opening of Epileptic Home

Official Opening Willowburn

"A step forward in reform for the good of the community" was the imprimatur placed by Lady Goold-Adams upon the important addition to the philanthropic institution opened at Willowburn last week.

The occasion was marked by an enjoyable social function. About 50 visitors travelled from Brisbane as the guests of the Home Secretary and Mrs. Huxham.

Apologies were received from several medical officers, who were unable to attend because of pressing duties.

Toowoomba Luncheon

The visitors were entertained en route with morning tea at Helidon, and on their arrival at Toowoomba were entertained at a dainty luncheon served in the Railway Refreshment Rooms.

Lady Goold- Adams, who had travelled from Stanthorpe, joined the party at luncheon, and subsequently, accompanied by Mrs. Huxham, motored to Willowburn, where a large party of Toowoomba residents and other visitors had arrived.

Cheerful Comfort

The picturesque red-tiled structure forms a quadrangle with covered passageways. Two wards for men and two for women patients are furnished with 24 beds and lockers in each.

The rooms are bright and airy, being painted a pretty blue with white metal ceilings. The bathrooms are also upon the most approved hygienic principles.

There are also two bright, attractive dining-rooms, a model kitchen, with white and blue tiles, fitted with the latest steam appliances. Electric light is installed throughout, and everything has been done to surround the patients with a cheerful, comfortable environment.

Matron Conway in charge

As the place grows, opportunity will be taken to introduce industrial appliances to encourage the patients to become useful members of the community.

The administrative block contains a matron's sitting-room, and the doctor's consulting room. At the back is a commodious cottage, well furnished, and utilised for nurses' quarters.

Matron Conway, of the Diamantina Hospital, has been placed in charge, with Sister Murray and Nurse Pffor on the staff.

(Note: In 1927 an inquiry was held in camera into charges laid against Matron Conway for alleged cruelty towards several children patients in Willowburn. The investigation by Police Magistrate Mr. W. Ferguson cleared the woman of any wrong doing. Margaret Conway died at Northgate Private Hospital, Brisbane, 1 June 1930. She had been lady superintendent at Willowburn for 11 years.)

Source: The Queenslander - 8 February 1919
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