North Metropolitan Health Service

For 110 years, King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) has been part of the story of countless Western Australian families, and your photos are helping bring that story to life.

As we count down to KEMH's 110th anniversary, we're looking back at some of the moments that helped shape the state's leading maternity hospital. They are a fantastic reminder of just how deeply the hospital is woven into the fabric of our community, and the important role it has played in countless family milestones over the generations.

With King Eddies accounting for approximately 20 per cent of all births in Western Australia, it's no surprise just how many people have a story to share, whether you were born here, welcomed a child here, worked here or supported a loved one through their journey.

A big thank you to everyone who has sent in their stories and photos from their time at the hospital., over the past few weeks, including those shown below.

If you have a photo you would like to share of when you were a patient or staff member at KEMH, we would still love to see it. Share it in the comments below or send us a direct message. 📸

Congratulations to Simon, this year’s recipient of the ‘Be Like Bernie’ Award 👏

Now in its 17th year, the award honours the memory of Bernard “Bernie” Hewitt, a much-loved Hospital Service Assistant at Sir Charles Gairnder Hospital whose warmth, sincerity and dedication left a lasting impression on colleagues and patients alike.

A valued Patient Transport Driver, Simon is known for the genuine care he shows to patients and visitors, always taking the time to connect with people and make them feel comfortable and supported.

Simon is high regarded for being thoughtful and kind, someone who enriches the lives of those around him and helps create an environment where everyone feels safe, welcome and respected.

A worthy recipient of an award that recognises the very qualities Bernie embodied.

Well done, Simon.

Few people have left a mark on King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) quite like Agnes Walsh.

As the hospital's longest-serving matron, Agnes dedicated more than three decades to King Eddies, helping shape generations of maternity care, overseeing the birth of more than 60,000 babies and leaving a legacy that remains part of the hospital today.

📖 1920: Agnes Walsh joined KEMH and served as matron from 1923 to 1954.

📖 1930s-40s: Travelled internationally to study developments in nursing and midwifery and brought that knowledge back to Western Australia.

📖 1940s: Served on a Commonwealth medical survey committee during the Second World War era, helping inform social security and health policy.

📖 1946: Became the only woman member of the National Health and Medical Research Council.

📖 1946: Oversaw one of Australia's first complete Rh-factor blood transfusions, a significant advancement in maternity and newborn care.

📖 1949: Her contribution to the Western Australian community was recognised when she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

📖 1950: Helped establish the College of Nursing, Australia, and served as its second president.

📖 1952: Agnes Walsh Nurses' Home officially opened in her name. Later renamed Agnes Walsh House, the building is still used today for a number of services, including the Breastfeeding Centre, Genetics WA, perinatal mental health services, patient accommodation and staff training facilities.

📸 Featured images include Agnes with Governor Sir James Mitchell in 1950, at a Christmas party in 1955, with an Advisory Group in the 1940s, and Agnes Walsh Nurses' Home.

As we count down to KEMH's 110th anniversary, we're looking back at some of the milestones that helped shape nursing and midwifery at King Eddies.

Did you work or train at King Eddies? We'd love to see your memories. Share your photos in the comments or send us a direct message.