The 1997 Director Health Services – South Queensland Exercise was held at the University of Queensland Medical School from 24 to 26 October. The theme of the conference was “Hospitals and Hippocrates. Service Hospitals in Contemporary and Future Operations”.
The conference was opened on Friday 24 October at the United Services Hall, Victoria Barracks, with the Keynote Address being delivered by Professor Robert Milns AM on “The Asklepion – Prototype Hospitals”.
During the two days of the conference, a variety of presentations were grouped around the themes – Challenges, Responses, Be Prepared, and Mobility. Papers covered the role of military hospitals in campaigns, and focused on historical aspects, current trends, and preparation for the future. The capabilities available, or soon to be available, in each of the three Services were considered.
The conference was attended by about 80 delegates, mostly Regular and Reserve Army health officers.
A formal buffet dinner was held at Victoria Barracks on the first night, and offered a suitable occasion for social intercourse.
On the second day of the Conference, the Surgeon General, Air Vice Marshal Graeme Moller, launched a new book on the life of Sir Neville Howse VC written by Murdoch Wales and John Pearn.
