Perth Chest Clinic (Hibernian Hall, Cathedral Hall)

When it first opened in 1902, Perth Chest Clinic was known as Hibernian Hall and served the local Irish-Australian community. Hibernian Associations flourished in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, and provided contributing members with access to financial assistance such as sickness benefits, life insurance, provision of funeral costs, and benefits to members’ widows and families. These societies also operated as social clubs, organising events such as dances and sports days which played an important role in the social life of the community.

The foundation stone for a Hibernian Hall in Murray Street, Perth, was laid on 17 March 1902. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Father Keogh, Vicar-General, in the absence of Bishop Gibney who was ill. The architect was Michael Cavanagh who designed many buildings for the Catholic Church, in addition to No. 1 Fire on Murray Street, just two doors away from Hibernian Hall.

Hibernian Hall, Murray Street, opened on 26 June 1902 with a ‘Grand Ball’. The place was subsequently much used for meetings and social occasions, including St. Patrick’s Day marches and meetings to promote Irish independence.

In 1930 the building is listed in the Post Office Directory as ‘Cathedral Hall’, suggesting that it had become a church hall for St. Mary’s Cathedral. It appears to have remained in use for this function until acquired for use as Perth Chest Clinic.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it can affect any part of the body, it usually affects the lungs. In the 20th century, TB shifted from being a virtually incurable condition to one which could be detected by x-ray technology and controlled using antibiotics.

During the 1940s the Commonwealth Government became committed to the eradication of TB in Australia. The mass x-ray programme for servicemen showed that it was possible to effectively examine large numbers of people for the disease. One of the first steps in improving TB control in Western Australia was the establishment of Chest Clinics, which were diagnostic and treatment centres, offering free x-ray facilities for patients.

Hibernian Hall was purchased in 1947 for conversion into a Chest Clinic and headquarters for tuberculosis control. That same year, the Australian Medical Congress held its conference in Perth, with tuberculosis as its main topic.

By 1949 the tuberculosis programme was gathering momentum. The death rate that year was the lowest on record (23.5 per 100,000 people) and a new drug, streptomycin, was being used with encouraging results. In 1956, a new wing was added to Hibernian Hall to assist with the work of the Chest Clinic.

In 2009 a new radiology room was being fitted in the 1956 building when a work-related accident occurred to a fitter. This resulted in a decision to relocate the services at the out-of-date Perth Chest Clinic to new premises on the corner of Pier and Wellington Streets.