Hospital pictorial book on sale
• NESM Hospital Auxiliary Secretary Marg Dennis with the sequel Centenary picture book ‘A Capsule in Time’ which is now available at Roses Newsagency.
By Taylor Clyne
September 30, 2020
The much-anticipated sequel to the North Eastern Soldiers Memorial (NESM) Hospital Centenary Book 1920-2020, ‘A Capsule in Time’ has hit the shelves for the community to enjoy.
Director of Nursing Wendy MacKay said while the hundred-year edition was being written it was identified that there were still a lot of story which needed to be told.
“We received a huge number of photos which also told the history of the past 100 years and we all know that a picture tells a 1000 words,” she said.
“Unfortunately, there was a page limit for both books, so a decision was made to split the centenary history into two books – narrative and pictorial.
“Even then there was a huge amount of content which told the story of the hospital and it was very unfortunate that there was not enough space to include everything that had been forthcoming.”
It had been hoped that the Governor would launch the ‘A Capsule in Time’ book at an official ceremony which was scheduled for May however due to Covid-19 hospital celebrations were cancelled.
Therefore, the two hundred copies which have been printed are now for sale at Roses Newsagency with just a few of the narrative books left for purchase too.
Ms MacKay thanked the work of the Launceston General Hospital Historical Committee for providing support for the work required for the publishing the books.
“It was agreed by this committee and by co-author Paul Richards and I that the proceeds from the sale of these books would be donated to the NESM Hospital Auxiliary.”
“This was because we both knew that 2020 was a huge milestone for the hospital and the community and this centenary needed celebrating.”
Auxiliary Secretary Marg Dennis said the group are pleased to have a boost of funding to further support the needs of the hospital.
“Our purpose is to raise money to purchase equipment that is needed by the hospital, the bond between the auxiliary and the hospital has been strong since 1952.”
Ms MacKay said furthermore an ideal has been thrown around to establish a historical society for the hospital so that the history is not lost as time moves ahead.
“The hospital is too important not to keep the legacy alive.”