[1] The former Dispenser's House was built in 1908 as part of the facilities of the Diamantina Hospital for Chronic Diseases and is now a health care museum.

Tuberculosis was a major cause of death into the 20th century and "consumptive" patients were also drawn to Queensland because of the belief that warm weather helped to cure the disease.

Treatment for tuberculosis at that time consisted mainly of isolation, bed rest, good diet and exposure to fresh air and sunshine.

A sanatorium was opened in Dalby in 1900 and the Diamantina Orphanage, with its pleasant situation on a wooded slope, was adapted as a hospital.

The Diamantina Hospital opened with 32 beds and a general staff of 19 administered by a Matron, Miss Florence Chatfield, a Superintendent, Dr Francis Washington Everad Hare, and a Head Wardsman and Dispenser, Mr Frederick Staubwasser.

In 1907 Mr Staubwasser, planning marriage, requested a raise in salary and a cottage within the hospital grounds.

[1] Thomas Pye, Deputy Government Architect, prepared sketch plans for a dwelling of 700 square feet plus a large front verandah, to be constructed near the hospital Dispensary.

Following World War II, an intensive programme was carried out by the Queensland government to eradicate tuberculosis by screening and treatment.

[1] The former Dispenser's House is situated close to the Cornwall Street gate to the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

It is a timber building with a hipped roof clad with corrugated iron sheeting and is set on new concrete stumps.

[1] The former Dispenser's House of the Diamantina Hospital was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register on 3 July 2007 having satisfied the following criteria.

The former residence, constructed in 1908, also demonstrates the common practice of the time of providing on site living quarters for key personnel.