New commemorative book for RPA's 140th anniversary. 

RPA is celebrating its 140th anniversary with the release of a new book dedicated to the history and construction of the hospital, and the lives of its staff, patients and visitors.

Through the RPA Museum Collection, and in partnership with the NSW State Archives - Sydney Living Museums collection, the book features 140 images that document the rich history of the hospital.

"The book captures different moments in time and is a fantastic visual record of all the developments and achievements of RPA since its foundation to the present day," said Kiel Harvey, RPA's General Manager, said.

Opening its doors in 1882, RPA and its staff have delivered world class patient care, including during two World Wars and the 1919 Influenza pandemic and the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The book features a timeline of the many Australian and NSW firsts - from being the first teaching hospital in NSW, to having the country's first Perinatal Medicine Unit, Psychiatric Assessment Unit, Gynaecological Oncology Unit, and Sleep Disorders Centre, and the largest Melanoma Unit in the world.

The past 20 years have also seen the RPA campus grow, with the opening of Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, the Professor Marie Bashir Centre and the Naamuru Parent and Baby Unit, plus the building of the RPA HealthOne at nearby Green Square.

"I'm proud of this new book. It portrays the incredible legacy that is RPA and the stories of the people who have made the hospital what it is today," Dr Teresa Anderson, the District's Chief Executive, said.

The District is now preparing for the major redevelopment of RPA - the largest transformation in the hospital's history which will help to meet the healthcare needs of the community both now and in years to come.     

And, establishing the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator, in partnership with The University of Sydney, as a focal point for biomedical research, innovation and medtech development.

To learn more about RPA's history, the community can visit the RPA Museum, https://www.slhd.nsw.gov.au/rpa/museum/