Dr Grant Dickson

One of the doctors who helped make it happen

Long before St Andrew’s Hospital opened its doors, Dr John Grant Dickson was helping make the case for its creation. An ear, nose and throat surgeon who began practising in Toowoomba in 1957, he became one of the project’s earliest advocates and remained closely connected to the Hospital for decades.

Recognising the need

Alongside Dr Ronald Harbison, Dr Dickson experienced growing difficulty securing beds for private patients. The challenge convinced both doctors that Toowoomba needed another private hospital. Their advocacy played an important role in building support for what would become St Andrew’s. At a critical stage, their voices helped demonstrate the need for change and gave credibility to the project.

As one of the original members of the Board of Governors, Dr Dickson was involved in many of the early decisions that would shape the Hospital’s future. He contributed to discussions about location, planning, capacity and governance at a time when almost every aspect of the project was still being determined. His recollections describe a Board made up of strong personalities, lively debate and a shared commitment to creating a new hospital for the region.

A lifelong connection

Dr Dickson’s connection to St Andrew’s extended well beyond its opening. In fact, he filmed the opening day celebrations himself with his 8mm colour movie camera.

Not long afterwards, one of his ear, nose and throat patients became among the first people formally admitted to the Hospital. Over the years, he remained involved through both clinical practice and governance, and often reflected fondly on colleagues including Ron Harbison, Don King, Ken Munro and Treg Rowe. His memories frequently highlight the strong sense of camaraderie among the Hospital’s early leaders.

As one of the doctors whose concerns about bed shortages helped spark the creation of St Andrew’s, Dr Grant Dickson holds a special place in the Hospital’s history. He was involved before the first brick was laid and remained a valued part of the St Andrew’s community long afterwards.