The Penshurst Hospital was built in 1955 and provides acute care, residential aged accommodation and community services, and manages independent living units at Penshurst and Dunkeld.
Originally, the district was serviced by a Bush Nursing Hospital located in Cobb Street, Penshurst. This building remains and is currently the home of Mr. W. McDonald. In the early 1950’s, a Dr. Watt in Penshurst and Pastor Wiebush of the Tabor Lutheran Church were concerned that a need for a local hospital existed in Penshurst as patients requiring treatment were usually sent to Hamilton Base Hospital. To expedite a hospital project for Penshurst, they set up a committee including Mr. R. Schramm, MBE, Mr. C.G. Ross and Mr. J. Ryan to work toward the construction of a health care facility.
- 15thAugust, 1955 - building of Hospital commenced.
- 24th July, 1957 - First patient admitted.
- January, 1973 - Extension to Hospital providing 9 acute beds.
- 1984 - Theatre operations ceased.
- November, 1988 - 1st resident admitted to Nursing Home.
- 1989 - Midwifery services ceased.
- 1994 - Former labour ward and emergency room converted to two two bed wards.
- 27th April, 1997 - Newly developed 16 bed Nursing Home opened.
- February, 1998 - 1st residents admitted to Kolor Lodge Hostel.
- 1st July, 1998 - Penshurst and District Memorial Hospital became Penshurst and District Health Service - a member of the Western District Health Service.
On Tuesday, 14 October 1986 Sir Ninian and Lady Stephen unveiled a plaque at the Penshurst Hospital to commemorate the naming of the nursing home wing, the W. J Lewis wing.
Since July, 1998, Penshurst and District Health Service has received Rural Healthstream funding.
- September, 1998 - Sheppard Community Health Centre completed.
- October, 200 - Achieved Aged Care Accreditation (3 years)
- 2001 - Penshurst and District Health Service responsible for the administration of Independent Living Units in Penshurst and Dunkeld.
- May, 2001 - Achieved Australian Council of Healthcare Standards Accreditation (4 years).