Susan Dorothea White Bibliography

Desperate Times Call for Artistic Measures

The fight to save Rozelle Hospital is drawing to a close, with the relocation to Concord to be completed in eight days. But those rallying to retain health services on site, including artist Susan Dorothea White, still want to be heard.

Rush to Save Hospital

With the April 30 deadline for the closure of Rozelle Hospital fast approaching, Callan Park lobbyists are continuing their campaign to retain some mental health services on site. While they lobby outside, inside Rozelle Hospital mental health patients spend their final weeks in misery and filth after the interior decor was gutted, according to the partner of a patient. Peter, whose partner is being treated for an eating disorder, said it was distressing that the hospital had removed its artwork and outdoor furniture.

“It’s been very disturbing for the patients,” he said. “They don’t even have a picture left on the wall to look at, it’s very depressing.”

In addition to removing the hospital items, cleaning and maintenance of the facility had been wound down in preparation for the move, he said.

“It’s been left to go to rack and ruin,” Peter said. “The place is totally unkempt, it’s dirty, dusty and grimy – it looks like Dracula actor Bela Lugosi’s castle. If there was a restaurant being run like this, it would be investigated.”

While the skeleton staff was trying its best, there were not enough people to maintain the facility, Peter said.

“It’s a really depressing place to visit, but it’s worse when you have to leave the person you care about in a place of despair.”

A Sydney South West Area Health Service spokesman said it began moving items to the new Concord complex two weeks ago.

“Moving a facility is a complex task,” he said. “The hospital has carefully planned the move to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible, to minimise disruption to patient care.”

The Protests Continue

Friends of Callan Park continues to protest against the hospital’s pending closure – there will be a demonstration at the Cecily Street entrance on Sunday at 11am.