BGM_From the Melbourne Hospital to QV Square: A Legacy of Care and Change

From the pioneering hospital to the groundbreaking women’s healthcare institutio, and now a bustling shopping precinct-this episode of Down the Yarra takes you through the fascinating transformation of one of Naarm - Melbourne’s historic sites. We began in 1848 with the founding of Melbourne Hospital (later named to the Royal Melbourne and relocated to Parkville precinct), before diving into the revolutionary Queen Victoria Hospital, a medical facility run by women, for women. We’ll explore how Dr Constance Stone and her fellow female doctors defied the odds to create a space where women could receive proper care and where female doctors could train and practice. But by the late 20th century, the Queen Vic’s days were numbered. What led to its closure? And how did the once-thriving hospital end up as QV Square, one of the CBD’s major retail hubs? Join us as we uncover a story of resilience, reform, and the relentless march of progress in Naarm -Melbourne. Plus, stay tuned for a teaser for our next episode, where we leave the city behind to explore Gulf Station, one of the oldest working heritage farms in the Yarra Valley. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses medical history, including the challenges faced by early patients and the struggles encountered of women’s healthcare in Melbourne’s past.