Victoria’s first public hospital, the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH), has celebrated its 175th anniversary by unveiling its historical time capsule.
To mark the occasion staff have added more recent memories and memorabilia including items during our COVID-19 pandemic response.
"As we mark this special anniversary, we reflect on the hospital's significant achievements and its ongoing dedication to advancing health for all Victorians," said Professor Christine Kilpatrick AO, Chief Executive at the RMH.
"The unveiling of the historical time capsule was a momentous occasion that allows us to celebrate our past, while also looking forward to the future and the many opportunities that lie ahead,” she added.
The capsule was first buried in 1846 at the corner of Lonsdale and Swanston Streets at the laying of the foundation stone of the hospital’s first location. It has been moved, re-buried and relocated over the years and was placed in the front entrance of the hospital in 2010, where it remains today.
During its 175 years, the RMH has expanded from a 10-bed hospital to becoming one of the largest health providers in the state offering hundreds of beds across several sites. In the 2021–22 financial year we admitted more than 105,200 patients.
We provide a media service from 6am to 10pm each day. Journalists are welcome to contact our media advisor on-call via the RMH Switchboard on (03) 9342 7000.
During business hours, journalists can email mh-communications@mh.org.au. We do not respond to emails outside business hours.