Well-known and widely published local historical author Robyn Florance has produced the early history.

"I was in David Berry for six weeks while getting rehabilitation on my knee and the staff and volunteers who support the hospital were wonderful," she said.

"I thought it would be great to be able to find out more about the hospital's history."

The result is A Munificent Bequest, The First Fifty Years 1909-1959.

It was in fact 110 years ago last month (May) the hospital took its first patients, despite the official opening not undertaken until September 1909.

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The hospital was erected and maintained with funds from the "munificent bequest" left by David Berry, founder of the township, Berry.

When David Berry Hospital was opened in May 1909 it was the most up to date hospital in the state.

"It was an interesting exercise to find the information and compile the hospital's history," she said.

"While David Berry Hospital now days is very well-known as a palliative care facility, it also offers rehabilitation services. But back when it first opened it was the main hospital for the Berry region."

Mrs Florance spoke to a number former staff members and managed to track down photographs of staff from over the years, including a great family album from Worrigee man Geoff Herne of his mother Doris Schofield when she worked at the hospital in the 1930s.

"I got some great photos also from former staff members Jo Evison and Hope Cox," she said.

"I contacted Dr John Roche OAM, in Sutton Forest, who was the last resident doctor at the hospital and asked him to read the manuscript.

"He started at the hospital in 1957, staying five years, and was very excited by the opportunity."

While David Berry celebrates its 110th anniversary this year, Mrs Florance wasn't taken up on her offer to produce the book as part of the hospital's celebrations.

"I've just printed one copy for myself," she said.

"But it records the history of the David Berry Hospital from when it first opened in 1909 and tells the story of the caring and compassion shown by the matrons, nurses, hospital staff and the local medical practitioners during the first 50 years of its existence."

"Many patients have passed through its doors, some staying for months, some for a short time.

"While many died, many more recovered through the wonderful care and treatment given to the sick, disabled and injured by the nursing staff.

"In those early days the hospital was run by the matron of the day with a small staff of nursing sisters, and nursing assistants or aides, an indoor and outdoor attendant, cleaner and cook, while the office work was carried out by a secretary appointed by the Department of Public Health."

For much of the hospital's history the matrons appointed were trained at the Coast Hospital at Little Bay, later known as the Prince Henry Hospital, while several of the nursing sisters came from England and New Zealand for short periods of time.

The first medical superintendent at the hospital was Dr Thomas Lewers who was appointed in 1895 at the then temporary Berry Hospital, a 12-bed cottage hospital on the corner of Pulman Street.

After he retired his replacement was Dr Karl Goergs who was appointed in 1914.

The first secretary was John 'Harold'. Bruce, who was appointed to the hospital in May 1895 and retired in October 1926.