Edith Cavell, Lady Norman and Lady Lamington Buildings

The Lady Lamington and Edith Cavell buildings were constructed as on-site accommodation for nurses. Edith Cavell was constructed in 1922 and Lady Lamington in five stages from 1896 to 1939, accommodating over 400 nurses.

From the establishment of the Hospital in 1867, the on-site accommodation of nurses was seen as an integral part of both hospital efficiency and the propagation and maintenance of the nursing code. The nurses moved out in the late 1980s when university education was introduced for nurses.

The Lady Norman building is a late Victorian L-shaped two storey timber and brick building. Completed in 1896, the Lady Norman building was built as an extension to the children’s hospital. The Lady Norman building, important in demonstrating the early development of the Children’s Hospital, was opened in 1896 and is the only building surviving from the pre-1920 era of the Children’s Hospital complex. Built in response to problems of overcrowding in the children’s hospital, the building is a well designed two-storey late Victorian hospital block based on the pavilion plan. The building was designed by architects JJ Clark and CH McLay, who both made important contributions to Queensland architecture including the Treasury Building (JJ Clark) and the Customs House (CH McLay).

Lady Lamington now houses student accommodation in all five wings. It features two internal sub-tropical courtyards, based on historical plantings, which were very important places for the nurses. There are also rooms that have been restored to how they were in 1896 and large historical photographs of the nurses on the wall of the new entry. The new entry was designed to be contemporary and subservient to the heritage buildings.

Edith Cavell is currently commercial tenancies, including Australian Unity that are developing the precinct. In the entry you will notice the original coloured concrete flooring and honour board and original staircase. At the rear is grassed courtyard where the nurses’ swimming pool was located.

Lady Norman is currently vacant, refurbished to house commercial tenancies or an educational use. Upon entering, the grand internal staircase will great you, the original timber flooring, fireplaces throughout, and the lantern on level 2 above the old operating theatre having been restored.

The award-winning landscape design for the precinct connects the building with the new public spaces.