Knox Private Hospital celebrates four decades of quality care.
Since opening its doors in 1985, the hospital has undergone 4 major redevelopments and multiple service expansions to be one of the largest acute private hospitals in Victoria.
In 2025, our service includes a 24 hour Emergency Department, 15 operating theatres and day procedure centre, cardiac cath lab and diagnostic centre, ICU, CCU, multiple patient wards, in-patient and out-patient support services and a team of caring and skilled nurses and doctors providing round the clock care.
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For 40 years, Knox Private Hospital has been a place where lives are changed, and heartwarming, inspiring stories are made.
From the dedicated staff and doctors to the patients and families who have walked through its doors, every moment has contribued to its legacy of care and compassion. As we celebrate this milestone, we invite you to share your story with us.
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For Marian Thompson, Knox Private Hospital was more than just a workplace – it was a community, a second home, and a place where her passion for nursing flourished over 31 incredible years.
Marian’s journey began before the hospital had even opened its doors. “After watching KPH being built,” she recalls, “I applied to work there as an RN as it was only 8 minutes’ drive from my home. I was thrilled to get accepted and enjoyed the next 31 years working there.”
Her very first day was a whirlwind – she had her interview in the morning and a shift that afternoon on the ortho, plastics, and urology ward, then known as West Ward (now Ambleside Ward). From there, she spent 15 years in post-surgery wards, a year in the wound clinic, and another 15 years in Hospital in the Home (HITH), where she brought her nursing care directly to patients.
Some of Marian’s fondest memories were witnessing patients recuperating with her and the team’s help, and seeing them be discharged. She also loved being a “hands-on nurse” and the interpersonal aspect of the career. “When in charge, I loved meeting each patient individually from room to room”, she said. “And in HITH, it was so special visiting a patient in their home and being one-on-one with them, giving the care they needed to improve back to full health again.”
What Marian enjoyed most about her time at Knox was the incredible team of people she worked with across every area of nursing she worked in. Caring alongside such amazing colleagues made every day meaningful and rewarding.
A collection of Marian’s cherished photos from 2006 to 2013, celebrating various events with Knox colleagues and friends.
And they made her feel special along the way too. On her 30th birthday Marian was surprised by her colleagues on the post-surgery ward with a birthday afternoon tea, and in 2011 she was given a heartfelt certificate of recognition, and beautiful flowers to honour her 25 years of service.
Marian’s certificate of recognition for service, which she received in 2011.
Marian fondly remembers the numerous festivities she took part in over the years at Knox. “When I started in 1988 the hospital put on an annual dinner-dance, which was great fun and helped us all bond. They also had an annual fair and cricket game between different areas of the hospital. We always decorated the wards at festive times like Christmas, the Olympics and Melbourne Cup day.”
KPH dinner dance at Sofitel in 1997. Marian (in purple dress) boogies with other Ambleside staff.
And she saw the hospital grow and change over time. While the relocations of Ambleside and HITH were always challenging, the strong bonds formed through these transitions helped the hospital feel like a close-knit family.
Retiring in May 2017 at 64, Marian admits the transition was bittersweet. “It was quite hard the first few months to realise I wasn’t part of the Knox community anymore. When I drove by, I always thought, ‘there’s my hospital.’ Then to see the new building develop and change the look of KPH was weird.”
Eight years on, she says: “I’m very settled in my retirement and find lots to do. Mind you - I still think of myself as a nurse!”
As Knox Private Hospital celebrates 40 years of service, Marian’s story is a shining testament to the heart and soul that dedicated staff bring to healthcare every day. Through her hands-on care, genuine compassion, and unwavering commitment, Marian helped shape the very spirit of Knox Private Hospital – one patient, one home visit, and one healed wound at a time!
For Cara Boswell, Knox Private Hospital has always been part of the family.
“My mum worked in A&E at Knox when I was in primary school,” Cara says, recalling her early connection to the hospital back in the early 1990’s.
“I remember going to the hospital Christmas parties on the big expanse of land opposite McDonald’s,” she shares. “The hospital was a smaller version in those days. I clearly remember riding a camel at one of those parties.”
Years later, Cara followed in her mother’s footsteps - not just into nursing, but back to Knox. “I ended up becoming a nurse and did my grad year in 2002 at Knox. I haven’t left since,” she says.
Left: Norelle’s first day as Ward clerk in Chesterfield, circa 1989. Right: Cara’s first day as a Grad nurse 2002.
In her early years on the job, Cara was often recognised for her family ties. “I was known as ‘Norelle’s daughter’ for a very long time,” she laughs.
Now, with over two decades under her belt at the hospital, Cara has reached a milestone of her own. “I can’t believe I have now been at Knox for a similar length of time as Mum was before she retired,” she says.
Reflecting on her journey, Cara says Knox has always been more than just a workplace. “Knox is A wonderful hospital where I have made the very best of friends!”
For Candice Stenzel, Knox Private Hospital isn’t just the place she delivered her little ones - it’s where she found support, friendship and lasting memories during one of the most vulnerable times of her life.
“My first baby was in 2010 - beautiful Charlotte - who was helped into the world by a lovely midwife named Marion,” she said.
Candice with her partner Robin and baby Charlotte, at Knox in 2010.
Three years later, Candice returned to Knox while pregnant with her second, but this time under more difficult circumstances. Due to cervical issues, her obstetrician placed her on strict bedrest at just 23 weeks. She ended up staying in hospital for nine and a half weeks - right through to 32 weeks gestation.
“I basically lived at Knox,” she said. “The whole time I got to know the nurses and cleaning staff, who all looked after me so well.”
It was a long stay, but one marked by care and compassion for Candice.
“I look back at my time on bed rest fondly,” she said. “I even made a lifelong friend in another patient there who was also in on bedrest too.”
At 32 weeks, Candice was discharged. Then, at 36 weeks - on the very day she was heading back to Knox - her waters broke. She delivered her second baby, Max, at the hospital shortly after.
“It’s a shame Knox isn’t a maternity hospital anymore,” Candice said. “But I was so well looked after and I’ll always fondly remember my time there having my babies.”
Since then, Candice has returned to Knox for other procedures and recalled being very well taken care of every time.
Candice’s story is just one of many that show how, for 40 years, Knox has been more than a hospital - it’s been a home, a haven and a place where families begin.
"Today, I'm thrilled to celebrate our workplace's 40th anniversary!”
Says Ranjina Vellu, whose history has been entwined with Knox Private Hospital for over 30 years.
“I've shared so many personal milestones here: my 21st birthday as a new immigrant from Fiji… my 30th, 40th, and 50th birthday this month!”
Having worked various roles at Knox throughout the years, Ranjina says she’s grateful for the amazing leaders at the hospital, the opportunities presented to her and the many friendships she’s made.
Pictured: Ranjina Vellu
Ranjina also shares a more “personal” connection with Knox, having brought all three of her children into the world at the hospital.
“Now, my youngest daughter is in Year 8, my son in Year 12, and my eldest is completing her law degree. My husband and I cherish the memories we've made here.”
Ranjina says she is proud to say she’s been part of Knox’s incredible journey for 30 years.
“It has given me so much - a second family, lifelong friends, and a sense of belonging,” she says. “When friends ask how I've stayed at one workplace for so long, I say, 'This is my second home.’”