The LGH is one of the oldest hospitals in Australia and began in 1806 within a convict military hospital tent. In 1863 a 102-bed hospital facility was built and named the Launceston General Hospital. The LGH was rebuilt in 1981 on its current site and later incorporated the Queen Victoria Hospital for Women. At this time much of the equipment infrastructure from the old hospital was moved across to the new structure.
Since the LGH was established, the Hospital has continually been at the forefront of modern medical developments. Due to the dedication and commitment by the Hospital’s medical and nursing staff, the LGH led the way in many medical treatments and techniques. In the 1920’s and 1930’s, the LGH was at the forefront of cancer treatment with a dedicated radiotherapy unit, now the Holman Clinic. Due to many medical “firsts” in modern medicine and a number of highly regarded surgeon-superintendents, the LGH was one of the few provincial hospitals that compared with hospitals in capital cities.
It has been said that the progress of medical science is the foundation of every hospital and an essential part of its existence, and because of this brilliant history, today, the LGH remains the foundation and the focus of the Northern Community. Being one of the oldest hospitals in Australia and with dedicated staff striving to always improve services, the LGH has always been there for all people of Launceston and the surrounding Northern Community.