The Home for Sick Infants, Paddington, was established by the State Children’s Relief Board in 1907. Sometimes called Hargrave House, it was a home for babies who were too unwell to board out but could not be admitted to a general hospital. It also took in mothers (usually single girls). Between 400 and 500 babies were admitted in any given year. The operation had moved to the Receiving House at Randwick Asylum by 1913.
The Home for Sick Infants, Paddington, was established under the Infant Protection Act 1904. It was one of a number of homes the State Children’s Relief Board established to keep unmarried mothers and babies together and to care for vulnerable babies. It aimed to provide the benefits of breastfeeding and closeness to the babies in its care.
Mothers stayed between four and 12 months, while babies stayed three to ten months. An infant mortality rate of 17% was recorded, although babies with their mothers were noted to be considerably more likely to survive. The Home was under the supervision of a visiting medical officer, Dr Barkas.
By 1912 the Home was overcrowded. The Matron was Nurse Frost. The operation moved to what the State Children’s Relief Board referred to as ‘the Receiving House at Randwick Asylum’ in 1913. This was possibly Hillside.
From
1907
To
1913
Alternative Names
Hargrave House
The Home for Sick and Ailing Infants, Paddington
1907 - 1913
Home for Sick Infants was situated at 112-114 Hargrave Street, Paddington., New South Wales (Building State unknown)