Dr Ronald Harbison

A Doctor who helped bring St Andrew’s to life

As a practising gynaecologist, Dr Ron Harbison saw firsthand the difficulty of securing private hospital beds in Toowoomba during the early 1960s. Alongside ear, nose and throat surgeon Dr John Dickson, he became a strong advocate for a new private hospital to serve the city’s growing population.

Championing a new hospital

From the earliest planning stages, Dr Harbison helped build support within the medical community and became one of the project’s strongest advocates. At a time when many questioned whether a new hospital was possible, his support helped give the vision credibility and momentum.

He also served on the Hospital’s original Board of Governors, contributing to decisions that would shape St Andrew’s future.

Dr Harbison remained actively involved after the Hospital opened, helping guide decisions about facilities, equipment and future development. He understood that a successful hospital required more than buildings. It needed modern technology, well-equipped facilities and the capacity to provide high-quality patient care. To that end, in 1976, he supported the purchase of a laparoscope, helping introduce equipment that enabled some of the Hospital’s earliest minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Recognising generosity

One of Dr Harbison’s most significant contributions was ensuring the Bain family’s extraordinary generosity was permanently acknowledged.

Following Jim and Rita Bain’s donation of the Hospital site and substantial financial support, he advocated for lasting recognition of their contribution. His efforts helped secure the naming of the James Bain Memorial Wing, preserving the family’s place in the Hospital’s history.

While he was rarely the public face of the project, Dr Harbison’s influence was profound. As an early advocate, founding governor and respected medical leader, he helped transform the idea of a new hospital into a reality.

Today, he is remembered as one of the key medical founders of St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital.