Concord Hospital’s entrance was redeveloped in 1988 as part of a major extension to the Multi Block building to the rear. The attached 1942 built Administration building located to the front was significantly extended to support the growing hospital. Two new wings to the south and west were constructed as part of this extension with the new entrance sympathetic in design while incorporating some elements of the original building.

Once inside the foyer, you will find an historic timeline of the hospital and a stained-glass memorial for those who lost their lives in the sinking of the hospital ship The A.H.S. Centaur in 1943. To the right of the main entrance is a walkway sheltering stained-glass windows and an exhibition commemorating Animals in War.

The A.H.S. Centaur was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine off the coast of Queensland shortly after 4am on 14th May 1943. Under the terms of the Geneva Convention, medical frigates are off limits to attack, but despite being a signatory of the Convention, Japan failed to ratify it. The Centaur was carrying members of the 2/12th Field Ambulance Corps from Sydney to Cairns. The ship took three minutes to sink, too fast for an SOS message to be sent, so Australia wouldn't hear the news until the following day. The survivors spent 35 hours in the water before being rescued by the USS Mugford. Of the 332 people on board, only 64 survived, including one nurse and one doctor. In 1943, The Centaur quickly became a symbol of Australian determination to win the war. Posters appeared across Australia to raise money for war loans showing the sinking ship and carrying the words 'Avenge The Nurses'. This memorial was dedicated on 13th May 1990.

Sister (LT) Ellen Sauvage, the only nurse to survive the attack on the A.H.S. Centaur, sustained numerous injuries after jumping from the ship into oil-soaked waters to assist Bob Westood, a badly burnt cabin boy, onto a raft. For this act of bravery, she would be awarded the George Medal, and would dedicate her life to nursing.

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