With the change of name from the Maitland Benevolent Asylum to The Maitland Hospital, this left a gap for the poor and destitute so The Maitland Benevolent Society established in 1867 as a group of compassionate community members bonded together to raise money for those in need.
Obtaining a small stake of real estate in the 1870’s, The Maitland Benevolent Society offered shelter and support to the community, and soon the service began to grow. Providing much needed support and assistance in the Maitland area, the service continued to prosper and eventually developed a primary focus on aged care in the 1970’s.
On 18 December 1884 the foundation stone of the new Maitland Benevolent Asylum building in Regent-street, West Maitland, was laid by the Hon. Henry Emanuel. Cohen, member for West Maitland. The new building was to be free from the reach of floods. It was built in brick with two storeys and included a dormitory for 40 patients, a maternity ward, a dining room, a matron's room and other amenities.
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