Time to celebrate PMH milestones

• Calendar of events to mark hospital's achievements since 1909

• Completion of the new Perth Children's Hospital scheduled for late 2015

In 1897, a little girl placed three pennies in a money box and said she hoped it would go towards helping sick children.  With overwhelming community support, the Perth Children's Hospital opened its doors 12 years later and has held a special place in the hearts of West Australians ever since.

Renamed the Princess Margaret Hospital for Children (PMH) in 1949, the hospital's long history  was celebrated today with the unveiling of a giant photographic timeline listing medical and social achievements spanning more than a century.

Health Minister Kim Hames said the timeline, and illustration of key milestones from 1909 to 2014 that runs the length of the undercover walkway leading to the hospital's main entrance, is one of a number of commemorative events taking place over the next 12 months.

"When the hospital opened, it was a landmark time in paediatric health care for the State and it's only fitting, as the State Government prepares to open the new Perth Children's Hospital, that we all pay tribute to PMH's past and present staff and their dedication to patient care," Dr Hames said.

"The hospital and its people have featured in the lives of generations of West Australians and together they've become a large part of the community."

The Minister also thanked the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, the hospital's largest fundraising body, for their ongoing support.

"Since 1998, the foundation has been a major contributor to the hospital and we look forward to continuing this important relationship when Perth Children's Hospital is completed next year," he said.

A giant photographic illustration of old photographs, archived surgical instruments, medical equipment and various treatment and diagnosis apparatus will also be on display as part of the commemoration.

      Fact File

• Construction of a dedicated children's hospital is said to have started with a little girl's contribution of three pennies placed in a money box in 1897 and her wish that it go towards helping sick children

• Perth Children's Hospital opened in 1909 and was renamed Princess Margaret Hospital for Children in 1949

• The new $1.2 billion Perth Children's Hospital is under construction

• The timeline and events are sponsored by the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation

Minister's office - 6552 5300