Mount Arcadia Children’s Home in Parramatta North that was established by the Smith Family in 1933. It was a convalescent home for children suffering from juvenile rheumatism and other illnesses. Most children stayed at Mount Arcadia for around 5 months before returning home. The hospital was rebuilt in the mid 1950s, and in 1958, the property was sold to Tara Anglican School for Girls.
The Smith Family opened the Mount Arcadia Children’s Home in 1933 as a ‘recovery home for little children suffering from juvenile rheumatism and heart affections’. Public hospitals were unable to meet the needs of these patients, who required long months of convalescence: ‘rest and still more rest is the secret of nursing these critical cases’ (Barrier Daily Truth 17 March 1952). Mount Arcadia was the only hospital of its kind in Australia.
Mount Arcadia was located on a hillside off Pennant Hills Road, North Parramatta, overlooking the Burnside Presbyterian Orphan Homes.
Following a public appeal, new buildings were erected and the modern Mount Arcadia Hospital opened on the site in 1953. The renovation increased its capacity from 30 to 60 beds.
In 1958, Mount Arcadia was sold to the Tara Anglican School for Girls, which is still located on the site in 2018.
From
1933
To
c. 1958
Alternative Names
Mount Arcadia Children's Recovery Home
Mount Arcadia Children's Hospital
Smith Family Convalescent Hospital
c. 1933 - c. 1958
Mount Arcadia was located in Masons Drive, North Parramatta, New South Wales (Building Still standing)