Gown was worn by Janice Purcell nee Ralston who lived in Mitcham until her marriage to Dr Michael Purcell. She trained as a Nurse at St Vincents Hospital. She attended St Johns Primary School and the Loreto Convent.The style and colour was worn during the 1980's, usually at special occasions such as balls, weddings and formal dances.c 1980 Long claret coloured evening gown. Bodice is heart shaped cross over, rouching forming cap and sleeves. Skirt is gathered at waist and falls to very full folds.Victorian Fantasy Melbournecostume, female

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Schools 47 and 48 in Dining room at Lister House. 25/4/1962 Black and white photographs; possibly the open day of the new dining room. Nurses are in full uniform with capes and caps. On Rear of photo is written: Northern District School of Nursing Staff dining room, 1962/63 Schools 47 and 48. On the extreme left are: Margot Scott (Ass. Dean Education), ?, Miss Long nurse training, ndsn, lister house, lister house dining room, school 47, school 48

School 77 Nursing Student Kaye Wilson holding a small child. Photos is taken 1st Feb 1971. Castlemaine StudentBlack and white photo. Nurse is wearing glasses and hair is tied back with cap on head. Child is wearing a 2 piece outfit. 3 photos of same.writing on back with detailsnursing history, nursing information

August 1977 Third Year Photos - Six sepia photos- Nurses have red stripes on Cap this means finals passed but still time before RN captails worn. 6 Photos of Nurses in hospital environment in various activities6 Sepia Photos - 1st Nurses checking medication 2nd Group of Nurse some seated and some standing. 3rd Nurse with patient in bed with broken leg. 4th Nurse holding child. 5th Nurse standing over bed with equipment. 6th Nurse with patient in red robe. nursing history, nursing training

Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley is the Principal Nurse Educator at Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) and is standing with a group of RDNS staff in the Education Department at RDNS Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. Sr. Rowley is wearing the RDNS winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a blue/grey V neck tunic style dress made of herring bone winter material. She, and the lady in the white dress, are displaying the RDNS winter beret made of the same herringbone material as the RDNS winter dress.From its earliest years when the Trained nurses (Nurses) of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS began to wear uniforms the chosen colour was grey, though the style changed throughout the years as fashions changed from the late 1800s through to the 1970s. Their Nurses firstly wore long grey frocks, and on their heads, a white cap with a long white tail hanging from the centre back. When bicycles were introduced the headgear changed to a white pith helmet adorned with a red Maltese cross in the centre front. This was held on with a veil going over the hat and tied under the chin. Over the years there were complaints that the veils became wet in the rain and they asked for a change of uniform, but this did not happen until 1921. Later the Trained nurses (Sisters) complained their skirts became wet when riding their bicycles in the rain and asked, when raining, to be able to wear breeches and gaiters. This was granted provided they wore aprons when attending patients. It was not long before the uniform changed to a shorter length grey frock, red cardigan, grey coat and grey brimmed hat; later changed to a peaked grey hat. In 1966 MDNS were granted Royal patronage. Now as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), the uniform was redesigned and colour changed in 1971. By 1972 the Sisters were wearing the new winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a V neck tunic style frock made of blue/grey herringbone winter material with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, and a beret of the same material. In summer the uniform became a royal blue V neck tunic style frock, with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, worn over a short sleeve white blouse. A royal blue peaked hat with the RDNS insignia in the centre front was worn at first and then only worn on official occasions. This uniform was worn until changed to a corporate style in the mid 1980s,This black and white photograph depicts six Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) staff standing in two rows in front of closed long grey curtains. They are looking at the camera and smiling, some are partly hidden. L- R back row - A lady who has short dark hair and is wearing a grey and black patterned frock. Next is a lady with her black hair drawn back; is wearing black pants and a black sleeveless V neck jacket over a white skivvie. The next lady has wavy short dark hair; is wearing white slacks, a light grey jacket with lapels and the pocket on its upper left has a vertical zip in the centre. She has a black and white striped scarf around her neck. Front row L-R - A lady with shoulder length black curled hair who is wearing a white uniform style dress and is turned toward the right of the photograph. Her right hand is on the top edge of an RDNS beret which is held on its edge with the inner white lining seen, and the upper section showing the deep front of the beret which has a central RDNS logo. To the right of this, is Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley who has short dark straight hair; is wearing dark rimmed glasses and is wearing a light grey skivvie under a darker V neck tunic style dress. She is turned toward the left of the photograph and her right hand is holding the bottom edge of the RDNS beret and her left hand is on the top edge. The next lady, on the far right, has shoulder length black curly hair and is wearing dark grey slacks, and a black round neck jumper over a white blouse with the peaks and cuff seen.Barry Sutton MA 23 rdns, rdns education, royal district nursing service, rdns uniform, sister pat (paddy) rowley

This black and white photograph is taken in the Education Department at Western General Hospital. Sr, Nan Deakin is a Nurse Educator with RDNS and is giving a lecture about District Nursing to hospital student nurses before each nurse goes to RDNS Centres. This lecture prepares each nurse before she goes out for a week with an RDNS Sister to visit patients who are receiving nursing care in their home.During their training, Student nurses from several hospitals either attended the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Education Department, or, a RDNS Nurse Educator travelled to the appropriate hospital’s Education Department to educate the Trainees on District nursing through the RDNS Community Nursing Program. Following the lectures Students went to a RDNS Centre and each student accompanied a Trained nurse (Sister) for a week observing and gaining knowledge of all facets of nursing care in the home. This gave them an insight into the home conditions and situations patients faced after discharge from hospital. During 1971 there were 584 Student nurses who received District field experience with RDNS.This black and white photograph shows the back view of three rows of hospital student nurses in their white uniforms and caps, sitting at small tables facing toward, on the left, Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Nurse Educator, Sister Nan Deakin, and their hospital Tutor Sister who is wearing her white uniform. The Sisters are standing in front of a large blackboard at the rear of the photograph facing the group. A smaller blackboard is attached to the wall to the left. On the right, the Tutor Sister has short dark curly hair and is standing side-on turned toward Sr. Deakin who is to her left. Sr. Deakin has short dark straight hair; is wearing glasses; and is wearing her RDNS uniform of a light grey skivvie under a darker V neck tunic style frock. She has her hands crossed and is holding sheets of paper in her right hand. There is a dark table to her left with a book and a short collapsible lectern on it. To the left of that is a row of short wooden cupboards and above that an open window with a horizontal striped curtain on the far end. The metal framed tables in front of the nurses have white wooden tops and have books, papers, pens and rulers on them.Barry Sutton MA 75royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns education, western general hospital students, sister nan deakin

The photograph is taken at Western General Hospital. Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Nurse Educator, Sister Nan Deakin, after teaching the RDNS Community Nursing Education program to the Western General's two Student nurses is introducing them to Sister Ellen Anderson, Supervisor of the RDNS Footscray Centre. Sr. Anderson will arrange for the Students to go on District nursing visits with RDNS Trained nurses (Sisters) from Footscray Centre who administer nursing care in the community. Sister Deakin is wearing the RDNS winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a blue/grey V neck tunic style frock made of herringbone winter material. Sister Anderson is wearing the RDNS summer uniform of a white short sleeve blouse under a royal blue V neck tunic style frock. The RDNS logo is seen on the upper left on both uniforms.During their training, Student nurses from several hospitals either attended the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Education Department, or, a RDNS Nurse Educator travelled to the appropriate hospital’s Education Department to educate the Trainees on District nursing through the RDNS Community Nursing Program. Following the lectures Students went to an RDNS Centre and each Student accompanied a Trained nurse (Sister) for a week observing and gaining knowledge of all facets of nursing care in the home. This gave them an insight into the home conditions and situations patients faced after discharge from hospital. During 1971 there were 584 student nurses who received field experience with RDNS. From its inception as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), in 1885, their Trained nurses (Nurses) worked in specific areas, 'districts'. The first Nurse worked east and west, between Victoria Parade and Flinders Street and, north and south, between Spencer Street and Spring Street. When a second Nurse was employed they divided this area at Elizabeth Street so each Nurse could attend to patients in the same area giving continuity of care. As the Society expanded, becoming Melbourne District Nursing Service, then, with Royal patronage, Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) many Centres were opened throughout the Melbourne Metropolitan area and outer suburbs. The District nurse's areas (districts) grew and were divided within Shire boundaries for e.g. Knox 1, Knox 2, Knox 3, Knox 4, within the area of the Shire of Knox. A map covering the Centre’s Districts was attached to a wall, and its different colour pins identified streets where patients lived who were currently receiving nursing care from the RDNS Trained nurses (Sisters) working in these areas (districts).On the far left of this black and white photograph is a male Student nurse, who has collar length, straight dark hair. He is wearing his hospital uniform of white trousers and top. To his right, is a Student nurse who is wearing her white nursing cap, with motif in the centre front, over her long drawn back dark hair. and her short sleeve uniform checked frock, with white two breasted buttons down it, and with white collar and cuffs. A nursing watch is attached to its upper left. Both are standing in the dark framed doorway of a room and are looking to the right and smiling at Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Nurse Educator, Sister Nan Deakin. She has short dark hair; is wearing glasses, and is wearing her RDNS uniform of a light grey skivvie under a darker V neck tunic style frock. To the right of her, is RDNS Sister Ellen Anderson who has short curly dark hair and is wearing her RDNS uniform of a white short sleeve blouse, under a dark V neck tunic style frock. They are standing side-on facing the Students. Barry Sutton MA 78royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns education, western general hospital students, sister nan deakin, sister ellen anderson

This black and white photograph is taken in the Education Department at the Western General Hospital where the Student nurses are doing their nursing training. Trained nurse (Sister) Nan Deakin, RDNS Nurse Educator, is checking information written by one of the Student nurses following a lecture she gave the students on Community Nursing. Following their time in the Education Department, the Student nurses will go to an RDNS Centre to receive education in the field from an RDNS Sister working in the community. During their training, Student nurses from several hospitals either attended the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Education Department, or, a RDNS Nurse Educator travelled to the appropriate hospital’s Education Department to educate the Trainees on District nursing through the RDNS Community Nursing Program. Following the lectures Students went to a RDNS Centre and each student accompanied a Trained nurse (Sister) for a week observing and gaining knowledge on all facets of nursing care in the home. This gave them an insight into the home conditions and situations patients faced after discharge from hospital. During 1971 there were 584 student nurses who received field experience with RDNS.This black and white photograph shows a group of eight female Hospital Student nurses, some partly hidden, and one male Student nurse, sitting randomly in a group about the room; each at a small metal framed, white wooden top table. The tables have books, printed sheets and white sheets of paper on them. The female Student nurses are wearing white nursing caps and checked uniforms with white collars and cuffs. They have a variety of hair styles, some with long hair drawn back. Standing to the right, in the centre of the group, is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Nurse Educator, Sister Nan Deakin, who has short dark hair and is wearing glasses. She is wearing her RDNS uniform of a light grey skivvie under a dark V neck tunic style dress with the RDNS logo on its upper left. She is looking down at a sheet of paper held by one of the Student nurses, who has short wavy dark hair. The nurse is holding the sheet of paper with both hands and is looking at it. The rear group of four students appear to be in discussion. The others are looking at sheets of paper on their tables. The male Student nurse, in the left foreground, has short dark hair and is wearing a white uniform. Closed dark concertina doors are in the background.Barry Sutton MA 79royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns education, western general hospital students, sister nan deakin

The Sister-in-Charge, Florence Lee-Archer, and a Trained nurse (Nurse) are about to leave the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Nurses Home at No. 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy to visit patients. The MDNS moved into these larger premises at No. 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy in May 1904. This establishment was their Headquarters as well as the Nurses Home. Sister-in-Charge Florence Lee-Archer and five Trained nurses, known as 'Nurse' in those days, were employed by MDNS at that time to visit and give nursing care to the poor in their own homes. In 1885, 50 years after Melbourne was founded, it was recognized that nursing care was needed for the sick poor in inner Melbourne. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded in February 1885 with one Trained nurse, called 'Nurse' in those days, and a second employed six months later, working in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care and liaised with Doctors. They provided high quality nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease and teaching the importance of cleanliness, fresh air and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. Trained midwives began home births in August 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe as needed. The Nurses provided nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. The Nurses were becoming exhausted, particularly in the heat of summer. Permission to use bicycles was given to them in 1898 and the Society decided to purchase their own in 1903. A business man offered ‘new free wheel’ bicycles at £13 each, which included maintenance for one year. Bells and wooden frames were added at a cost of £5 per frame so the Nurses could carry extra equipment. Nurses bags were strapped to the handlebars. Soup was made for those in need 2-3 times a week, and if patients could not arrange to have it collected, the soup was delivered by the Nurses on their bicycles. Their use caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chins, now being used and straw hats in summer. In 1904 the Society relocated to rented premises at 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street in Fitzroy. In 1913 a nurse had her ‘board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expenses’ provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary was increased by £5, and later she earned £60 a year. Over the years the Nurses complained their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform, but this did not occur until 1921.Digital Image showing, on the right, Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Sister-in-Charge Florence Lee-Archer wearing a long white uniform and white cap with long white tail (veil) seen hanging from its rear. On her left, is a MDNS Trained nurse (Nurse) wearing a long grey uniform with white collar and cuffs, and wearing a pale colour straw hat with Maltese cross in the centre of the white hatband. The hat is held on by a veil over the hat and tied under her chin. They are standing by their bicycles, the front wheels and handlebars seen; the Nurse has a nursing bag attached to the handlebars of her bicycle. Behind them and to their right, a black sign with the words 'Melbourne District Nursing Society - For Nursing the Sick Poor in their Own Homes' written in white capital letters can be seen attached to the metal spiked fence. Behind this are some shrubs and part of a building in the rear.Melbourne District Nursing Society - For Nursing The Sick Poor In Their Own Homes.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns headquarters, mdns matron, rdns, royal district nursing service, sister florence lee-archer

This digital image shows the sun roof on the Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Hospital, 45 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. It shows some of the children nursed at the home. Many children were nursed there long term during the Poliomyelitis epidemic in the 1930s. It also shows uniforms worn by nurses and Sisters in the 1930s. The Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Home was originally established to provide nurse-managed convalescent care to poor and underprivileged patients who could not look after themselves at home due to illness, or on release from hospital. Opening in 1926 following a public appeal for funds, at a cost of £27,000, the Home included maternity, children’s and adult wards as well as accommodation for Matron, twelve Sisters and four domestic staff. Many children were nursed there, some long term, during the Polio epidemic and the Society employed two School Teachers. The Society now ran two divisions, the After-Care with its own Sisters and nurses and the District division. The Society were the first in Melbourne, in early 1928, to recognize some patients leaving the After-Care, and many at home, needed further social care and they set up ‘Almoners’ from their committee to visit these patients and be intermediaries in getting them social assistance. It was late the following year before the first training of Almoners took place in Melbourne. In 1930 the Society employed a full time kindergarten teacher to visit poor children in their homes. That year the Society were pioneers in opening an Ante-Natal Clinic at the After-Care, setting a high standard with equipment, keeping records and providing leaflets with instructions in how to keep healthy during pregnancy, what complications to look for and what to do when labour commenced. In 1934 the Society were pioneers again when they opened the first Women’s Welfare Clinic, including at the time a very controversial Family Planning Clinic, the first of its kind in Australia which was opened to support women at risk following multiple and difficult pregnancies, giving advice on birth-control. At first the clinic was attended by their own patients, but then accepting patients from public hospitals until their own clinics were opened. . Major extensions in 1934 led to the After-Care 'Home' having a name change to 'Hospital'. A trained Almoner was employed in 1934 but she resigned after twelve months due to the work load. Unable to procure another due to a shortage of trained Almoners, a Social Service Officer was employed at the After-Care who successfully gained better housing from the Housing Commission for families living under unsuitable conditions. Following Government intervention, the After-Care Hospital was separated from the Melbourne District Nursing Society in 1957. The After-care Hospital continued to operate at the same address until 1985 when it became the Melbourne Geriatric Centre. This digital Image shows two nurses and two Trained nurses (Sisters) supervising convalescing children in the roof garden of the Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Hospital . The two nurses are with the rear children, one on the left and one on the right. Both are wearing long white aprons over their long sleeved dark grey uniforms, and both are wearing white caps over their dark hair. On the right rear, in front of a row of glass windows, the upper portion of a Sister can be seen wearing a white uniform and white veil. In the right front is another Sister who is wearing glasses and is wearing a white uniform and dark coloured cape. She is wearing a white veil over her short dark hair. There are three boys and four girls resting on cane lounges; some are reading books and one girl is holding a doll. Another boy, who is wearing a dressing gown, is sitting on a cane chair. There is a trellis and a wall of windows on the left of the image and some brick work and a wall of windows on the right hand side behind the Sisters.. Some pots with low and tall plants can be seen.A tiled hip roof of a building can be seen in the rear of the image.mdns, melbourne district nursing society, after- care hospital, nurses uniforms

Each Ward in the Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Hospital, at 45 Victoria Parade, Collingwood, had a Sun Room which was well lit by its many windows. This digital image is taken in one of the Sun Rooms and shows the type of hospital beds, furniture and the uniforms worn by Sisters and nurses in the 1930s.Melbourne District Nursing society opened the After-Care Home, situated at 39 Victoria Parade Collingwood in 1926 following a public appeal for funds. The name changed from 'Home' to 'Hospital' in 1934. The After-Care Home was originally established to provide nurse-managed convalescent care to poor and underprivileged people who could not look after themselves at home due to illness or on release from hospital. Opening in 1926, at a cost of £27,000, the home included maternity, children’s and adult wards as well as accommodation for Matron, twelve nurses and four domestic staff. In 1930 an ante-natal clinic was opened at the home. During 1934 the Women’s Welfare Clinic including, at the time, a very controversial Family Planning Clinic, the first of its kind in Australia, was opened to support women at risk following multiple and difficult pregnancies. Major extensions occurred in 1936. Each Ward in the After-Care Hospital at 45 Victoria Parade, Collingwood, had a Sun Room which was well lit by its many windows. Several donors gave money to furnish some of the Wards. Following Government intervention, the After-Care Hospital was separated from the Melbourne District Nursing Society in 1957. The District division of Melbourne District Nursing Society became the Melbourne District Nursing Service and moved to 452 St Kilda Road; later, in 1966, with Royal patronage this became Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). The After-care hospital continued to operate at the same address in Collingwood until 1985 when it became the Melbourne Geriatric Centre. This digital Image shows six men patients and nursing staff in a Sun Room in the Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Hospital. In the left foreground is a low bedside cupboard, beside it is a man with short dark hair lying in an iron framed hospital bed with a white cover pulled up to his shoulders. A Sister, who is looking at the camera, is wearing a grey uniform with a white collar, and a white veil over her short dark hair; she is standing behind, and at the head of the bed with her right hand holding the vertical bar of the bed frame. Behind her is an open door and then a nurse wearing a long white apron over her grey long sleeved uniform; she has a white cap over her shoulder length dark hair and is looking at the camera. Both of her hands are resting on an empty cane chair. Next along is a man with a bandage wrapped around his head and over his left eye. He is wearing dark clothing and is sitting on a padded cane chair, as are the rest of the men in the room. To the rear, in front of four long windows, are another two men, one on the left has short white hair and is wearing light clothing, and to his right is a man with short dark hair and is wearing a dark dressing gown over light colour pyjamas. On his right is a large vase of flowers on a tall white stand. On the right hand side of the photograph are another two men with short dark hair and wearing dressing gowns; part of a wall with windows can be seen behind them.mdns, after- care hospital, melbourne district nursing society, rdns, royal district nursing service

This is a photographic record of Matron Beatrice Williams and the Trained nurses, (Sisters), of the District Nursing division of the Melbourne District Nursing Society who worked in the community give nursing care to patient's in their homes. Their uniforms are grey and the Maltese cross on the Sisters hats is red.From its earliest years when Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) began to wear uniforms the chosen colour was grey, though the style changed throughout the years as fashions changed from the late 1800s through to the 1970s. The Trained nurses (Nurses), firstly wore long grey frocks and a white cap with a long white tail hanging from the centre back. When bicycles were introduced in 1903 the headgear changed to a white pith helmet adorned with a red Maltese cross in the centre front. This was held on with a veil going over the hat and tied under the chin. Over the years there were complaints that the veils became wet in the rain and they asked for a change of uniform, but this did not happen until 1921. Later the Nurses complained their skirts became wet when riding their bicycles in the rain and asked, when raining, to be able to wear breeches and gaiters. This was granted provided they wore aprons when attending patients. It was not long before the uniform changed to a shorter length grey frock, red cardigan, grey coat and grey brimmed hat; later changed to a peaked grey hat. In 1966 MDNS were granted Royal patronage. Now as Royal District Nursing Service, RDNS, the uniform was redesigned and colour changed in 1971. By 1972 the Trained nurses (Sisters) were wearing the new winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a V neck tunic style frock made of blue/grey herringbone winter material with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, and a beret of the same material. In summer the uniform became a royal blue V neck tunic style frock, with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, worn over a short sleeve white blouse. A royal blue peaked hat with the RDNS insignia in the centre front was worn at first and then only worn on official occasions. This uniform was worn until changed to a corporate style in the mid 1980s,Black and white photograph of Matron Beatrice Williams wearing a white uniform and veil, with a group of twelve Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) trained nurses (Sisters) wearing their calf length uniforms of grey coats, and grey brimmed hats with pale grey hat band with central Maltese cross, standing in the garden of the MDNS After-Care home.No. 8526 on rear of photographmelbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns uniforms, rdns, royal district nursing service, mdns matron, miss beatrice mary williams

This 1890s photograph shows the early uniform worn by Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses, (known as 'Nurse', in those days), when visiting patients to administer nursing care.The Nurse is speaking with a patient who is sitting in his back garden. It shows the style of clothing and the rear of a weatherboard house of that era. In Melbourne in 1885 it was recognized that skilled nursing was needed in the inner city to care for the sick poor in their own homes. On the 17th of February a meeting was held with prominent Melbourne citizens, five gentlemen and fourteen ladies. ‘Dr. Caffyn and Rev. Charles Strong explained the objects and scope of District nursing Societies that had been formed in other towns’ in UK. On that day the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded, the first District Nursing Society in Australia. Subsequent meetings were held to form a Committee and to draw up a Code of Rules of the Society. It was decided only nurses who had attended a Nurses Training School and were fully qualified would be employed by the Society, and that the nurses would keep a daily journal of their work. After interviewing several candidates, the first Trained Nurse (Nurse), Mrs. Ferguson, was employed with a salary of £100 per annum and commenced work on the 1st of May 1885. She was employed for three months initially, but this was soon extended, “on the understanding she will make arrangements to live in the more immediate vicinity of her district”. A Doctor was consulted before any person was seen. In rotation, a member of the Superintendence Sub-Committee supervised the Nurse’s visits and could assist to alleviate some of the poor social conditions they found. Though only Trained nurses were employed, the term ’Nurse’ was used in those days. Lady Janet Clarke, a philanthropist, was one of the first two Vice-presidents and President from 1888 until 1908 (except when overseas); she was a driving force in the Society. She held the first fund raiser for the Society at her home ‘Cliveden’ and went on to help organize many functions where she, along with Committee members, manned the stalls to raise funds. She also took her turn to accompany the Nurse, and was noted for her kindness and benevolence. Over the years the Committee, which was made up of 80% ladies, worked tirelessly for the Society; many Auxiliaries were formed. A second Trained nurse, Mrs. Joanna Cannon, was employed in late 1885, with a trial period of six months which was extended. She and Mrs Ferguson were the stalwarts of the Society in the early years, Nurse Cannon remaining with the Society for four years and Nurse Ferguson for five years, though both had a short break due to the heaviness of the work. Nurse’s salaries were reduced to account for the cost of uniforms, and again in later years when establishments were rented by the Society and the nurses could now live in the Nurses Home. The two Nurses worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bags containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses and clothes as necessary. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care and liaised with Doctors. They provided high quality nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. They educated their patients, and their Carers, in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of hygiene, cleanliness, ventilation and good nutrition. They taught them, by verbal instruction and demonstration, how to make poultices, to make and apply bandages, apply medical appliances such as splints; and the Nurses supplied milk, beef tea and cooked soup when needed. As the work increased a third Nurse was employed but this was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer and many Nurses only remained with the Society for several months. Black and white photograph of a Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurse (Nurse) wearing a white apron over her grey full length uniform, and wearing a white cap. She is standing and looking down at a man dressed in a white shirt and dark jacket and pants. He is sitting outside the rear of a weatherboard house, the boards of the house are applied vertically. A wooden ladder leans against another wooden building.melbourne district nursing society, mdns uniforms, rdns, royal district nursing service, mdns

This photograph shows a Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurse, 'Nurse' in the 1890s who is giving care to a patient who has collapsed in the street. It depicts the type of conditions the Nurses faced in that era and the uniform she wore It shows the help the Nurses received from the Police in that era and also the style of uniform worn by the police. In 1885 it was recognized that nursing care was needed for the sick poor in inner Melbourne. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded in February of that year, the first District Nursing Society in Australia, and it was decided only Nurses who had attended a Hospital Nurses Training School and were fully qualified would be employed by the Society. In those days even though they were trained they were called 'Nurse'. The Society began with one Nurse, and a second employed six months later, working in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care and liaised with Doctors. They provided high quality nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. They provided nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered by a Doctor, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. They educated their patients, and their Carers, in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of hygiene, cleanliness, ventilation and good nutrition. They taught them, by verbal instruction and demonstration, how to make poultices, to make and apply bandages, apply medical appliances such as splints; and the Nurses supplied milk, beef tea and cooked soup when needed. As the work increased a third Nurse was employed but this was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer and many Nurses only remained with the Society for several months. Black and white photograph of a Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurse, known as 'Nurse' in those days, wearing a white apron over her full length grey uniform with white collar seen; she is wearing a white cap. She is sitting on a step at the front of a weatherboard house attending to a man, who is dressed in dark clothing and is wearing a brimmed hat. He is lying on his side on the pavement with his head close to the Nurse and his face turned towards the road . A policeman, wearing his dark uniform and helmet, is kneeling beside the man. mdns, melbourne district nursing society, mdns uniforms, rdns, royal district nursing service, nursing care

Cream pith helmets were part of the uniform worn by Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses (Nurses) from the early 1900s when giving nursing care to the sick poor of Melbourne. When riding their bicycles the helmet was held on by a long white scarf tied under the Nurse's chin. From its earliest years when Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses, known as 'Nurse' in those days, began to wear uniforms the chosen colour was grey, though the style changed throughout the years as fashions changed from the late 1800s through to the 1970s. The Nurses firstly wore long grey frocks and a white cap with a long white tail hanging from the centre back. When bicycles were introduced in 1903 the headgear changed to a cream pith helmet adorned with a red Maltese cross in the centre front. This was held on with a veil going over the hat and tied under the chin. Over the years there were complaints that the veils became wet in the rain and they asked for a change of uniform, but this did not happen until 1921. The Nurses complained their skirts became wet when riding their bicycles in the rain and asked, when raining, to be able to wear breeches and gaiters. This was granted provided they wore aprons when attending patients. It was not long before the uniform changed to a shorter length grey frock, red cardigan, grey coat and grey brimmed hat; later changed to a peaked grey hat. In 1966 MDNS were granted Royal patronage. Now as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), the uniform was redesigned and colour changed in 1971. By 1972 the Sisters were wearing the new winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a V neck tunic style frock made of blue/grey herringbone winter material with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, and a beret of the same material. In summer the uniform became a royal blue V neck tunic style frock, with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, worn over a short sleeve white blouse. A royal blue peaked hat with the RDNS insignia in the centre front was worn at first and then only worn on official occasions. This uniform was worn until changed to a corporate style in the mid 1980s,This hard cream coloured pith helmet has a 'pudding basin' shaped crown with 2 eyelets on both sides of it and a raised 'button' in the centre of the crown. This is encircled by a slightly sloping brim. A red cotton Maltese cross is emblazoned in the centre. The crown has a 66 cm circumference and is 12 cm deep; the raised central button is 3.5 cm x 3 cm; and the brim has a 101 cm circumference and is 5 cm deep.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns uniforms, rdns, royal district nursing service

This hat is part of the uniform worn by all the Trained nurses (Sisters) of the Melbourne District Nursing Service, (MDNS), during the 1960s. The Sisters travelled around the inner and outer suburbs of Melbourne administering nursing care to patients in their homes. From its earliest years when Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) began to wear uniforms the chosen colour was grey, though the style changed throughout the years as fashions changed from the late 1800s through to the 1970s. The Trained nurses firstly wore long grey frocks and a white cap with a long white tail hanging from the centre back. When bicycles were introduced the headgear changed to a white pith helmet adorned with a red Maltese cross in the centre front. This was held on with a veil going over the hat and tied under the chin. Over the years there were complaints that the veils became wet in the rain and they asked for a change of uniform, but this did not happen until 1921. The nurses complained their skirts became wet when riding their bicycles in the rain and asked, when raining, to be able to wear breeches and gaiters. This was granted provided they wore aprons when attending patients. It was not long before the uniform changed to a shorter length grey frock, red cardigan, grey coat and grey brimmed hat; later changed to a peaked grey hat. In 1966 MDNS were granted Royal patronage. Now as Royal District Nursing Service, RDNS, the uniform was redesigned and colour changed in 1971. By 1972 the Sisters were wearing the new winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a V neck tunic style frock made of blue/grey herringbone winter material with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, and a beret of the same material. In summer the uniform became a royal blue V neck tunic style frock, with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, worn over a short sleeve white blouse. A royal blue peaked hat with the RDNS insignia in the centre front was worn at first and then only worn on official occasions. This uniform was worn until changed to a corporate style in the mid 1980s,A Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) felt grey peaked hat, which has a deep crown and a flat top. Stitching comes from four corners of the crown at an angle to a grey band, which contains several rows of stitching, and surrounds the crown.. A stiff sloping grey brim, containing several rows of stitching, joins the band surrounding the crown, the rear of the brim is turned up and the front forms a peak. A cotton red Maltese cross is sewn to the centre front of the crown and band. A white with blue 'created by Effie Joy' label is attached to the inner hat band along with 'Size 22'. The crown is 9.5 cm deep and the brim is 5 cm deepmdns, melbourne district nursing service, mdns uniforms, rdns, royal district nursing service

In 1934 the Trustees of the Marie Krecklow Estate donated 500 pounds to furnish and equip an empty Ward in the Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Hospital in the memory of Mrs. Marie Krecklow. This image shows the furnishings in the Ward of the Hospital at 45 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. The boys in this image are receiving nursing care before returning home following their recuperation. Many children were nursed at the hospital, some long term during the Polio epidemic. The Society were pioneers in recognizing the need for premises where patients too ill to be in their own home, but not ill enough to go to hospital, was needed, and the Society built, then opened, the Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Home in 1926, (from 1934 called After-Care Hospital), for these patients, and patients from Melbourne Hospitals who required recuperation before returning home. Many children were nursed there, some long term during the Polio epidemic and the Society employed two School Teachers. The Society now ran two divisions, the After-Care with its own Trained nurses and the District division. The Society were the first in Melbourne, in early 1928, to recognize some patients leaving the After-Care, and many at home, needed further social care and they set up ‘Almoners’ from their committee to visit these patients and be intermediaries in getting them social assistance. It was late the following year before the first training of Almoners took place in Melbourne. In 1930 the Society employed a full time kindergarten teacher to visit poor children in their homes. That year the Society were pioneers in opening an Ante-Natal Clinic at the After-Care, setting a high standard with equipment, keeping records and providing leaflets with instructions in how to keep healthy during pregnancy, what complications to look for and what to do when labour commenced. In 1934 the Society were pioneers again when they opened the first Women’s Welfare Clinic in Melbourne giving advice on birth-control, at first attended by their own patients, but then accepting patients from public hospitals until their own clinics were opened.A trained Almoner was employed at the hospital but left after twelve months due to the volume of work. Unable to employ another trained Almoner due to a shortage of them, a Social Service Officer was employed at the After-Care who successfully gained better housing from the Housing Commission for families living under unsuitable conditions. In the 1950s the Hospital and Charities Commission decided to take over the After-Care Hospital, so the Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Hospital separated and the Melbourne District Nursing Service was formed, setting up Headquarters at 452 St. Kilda Road. In 1966, following Royal patronage the name was changed to Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS).Digital mage showing the 'Marie Krecklow Ward' in the Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Hospital. The image shows five iron hospital beds along the left hand side and five iron hospital beds along the right hand side of the ward. Eight young boys, most with short dark hair and one with short blonde hair, are leaning against pillows sitting up in the beds. Some pillows are propped against an iron support which slopes from the headrest. Three sets of windows can be seen on either side of the ward which is painted grey and a wide floral border to the picture rails, then white paint above the picture rail which continues over the ceiling. A white table with vases of flowers is in the centre rear of the image. A Sister, wearing a white uniform and veil and a dark cape stands at the rear left hand side of the image, and two nurses wearing white aprons over dark uniforms and white caps stand half way down the ward, one on either side. mdns, melbourne district nursing society, after- care hospital, after-care home, rdns, royal district nursing service, mrs marie krecklow

Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister Meisser is visiting Mrs. Lata to attend to the nursing care she requires in her home. She is greeting Mrs. Lata on her veranda and is observing her interaction with her dog. Sr. Meisser is wearing her RDNS uniform of a grey cotton short sleeve frock with a small white arched material logo with 'Royal District Nursing Service' in blue capital letters emblazoned on it, attached to the upper sleeve. She is wearing her grey peaked hat. This had a metal RDNS logo attached to the centre front. Sister Meisser worked from the RDNS Moorabbin centre.From its earliest years when the Trained nurses of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) began to wear uniforms, the chosen colour was grey, though the style changed throughout the years as fashions changed from the late 1800s through to the 1970s. Their Trained nurses (Nurses) firstly wore long grey frocks and a white cap with a long white tail hanging from the centre back. When bicycles were introduced the headgear changed to a white pith helmet adorned with a red Maltese cross in the centre front. This was held on with a veil going over the hat and tied under the chin. Over the years there were complaints that the veils became wet in the rain and they asked for a change of uniform, but this did not happen until 1921. Later the Nurses complained their skirts became wet when riding their bicycles in the rain and asked, when raining, to be able to wear breeches and gaiters. This was granted provided they wore aprons when attending patients. It was not long before the uniform changed to a shorter length grey frock, red cardigan, grey coat and grey brimmed hat; later changed to a peaked grey hat. This uniform was used when MDNS was granted Royal patronage in 1966 and worn until 1971 when the uniform changed to a blue V necked frock over a short sleeve white blouse in summer and a blue/grey skivvie under a blue/grey herringbone V neck tunic style frock made of winter material in the cooler weather. Black and white photograph of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister Meisser, of Moorabbin Centre. She is standing on the left of the photograph; has short dark hair and is wearing her grey uniform with peaked hat and black shoes, and is holding her rectangular nursing case. She is standing on the veranda of Mrs. Lata's brick home, and is smiling as she observes, to her right, Mrs. Lata, who has grey curly hair and is wearing a light coloured floral frock. Mrs. Lata is sitting in her wheelchair and with her left hand is patting her pale coloured Labrador dog who has a dark collar and is sitting to her right. Mrs. Lata is in front of her security door which has a white door frame. The house has a white lantern shaped light attached to the wall on the left hand side of the photographPhotographer's stamp and the word 'Publicity'royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns uniform, moorabbin centre, mrs lata, sister m. meisser

This photograph depicts Post-Natal care being given by a Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister who is working in the RDNS Domiciliary Infant and Maternal Care (DIMC) section of the Service. The photograph is taken in the home of the mother and baby and the Sister is in the process of putting the baby onto the Baby scales to ascertain the babe's weight. Sisters employed in the DIMC section of RDNS gave Post-natal care to both the mother and her newly born babe when they were discharged early from hospital. This photograph was taken in the year following Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) being granted Royal patronage in 1966 and becoming Royal District Nursing Service. The Sister is wearing the the same grey uniform frock used by MDNS but the badge on her peaked cap has changed from a red Maltese cross to a metal round silver badge with a royal blue circle around the edge with the words 'Royal District Nursing Service' in white capital letters running inside the blue circle.The centre of the badge is divided into three sections; a silver rising sun top and bottom, and a thick royal blue horizontal central strip with 'RDNS' written in large white capital letters. This uniform continued to be worn until 1971 when it changed colour and style. In August 1893 Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), commenced a Midwifery Service with Nurse Fowler, who trained in a Hospital and was qualified in General nursing and Midwifery nursing, being the first Midwife employed. Mothers were assessed for suitability of a home birth, or if they required delivery at the Women’s Hospital. The Midwife worked in conjunction with the Doctors at the Women’s Hospital and if a complication arose the patient was transferred to their care. Following birth they gave Post-Natal care to both the mother and babe. In 1898 the service ceased due to lack of funds but recommenced in 1906, and in the August 1925 Annual Report the number of MDNS home births was recorded at 478. MDNS built the After-Care Home and an Anti-Natal Clinic was opened in 1930. The last Ante-Natal clinic was held there in December 1951 and the MDNS Midwifery service ceased in February 1952. In 1964 MDNS commenced a Post-Natal service with General and Midwifery trained MDNS Sisters working from a room at Footscray Hospital, and visiting early discharged Footscray Hospital maternity cases at home. Now as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), this service was extended to a Domiciliary Infant and Maternal Care, (DIMC) service operating from most Centres and visiting early discharged, often 24 hours after birth, maternity cases from hospitals to give post-natal care to the mother and babe. Many Sisters working in this area had a Certificate in Infant Welfare as well as their General and Midwifery Certificates.In the right rear of this black and white photograph is a Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS), Sister who is wearing a white gown over her uniform, and wearing her grey peaked hat with the RDNS badge visible, looking down at a baby she is about to weigh. The baby has sparse dark hair, is wearing a white singlet and is crying. The Baby scales, which are sitting on a table in front of the Sister, are white with a rectangular base and curved sided tray on the top. The Sister is standing behind the scales, and is supporting the babe's body with her right hand and holding baby's legs with her left hand as she lowers babe fully onto the scales. On the left of the photograph, the mother, who has long dark hair with a hair scarf holding it back, and is wearing a striped frock, is siting on a chair with her arms crossed at her waist, and is smiling at her babe as she observes proceedings.. Photographers Stampmdns, melbourne district nursing society, melbourne district nursing service, rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns domiciliary postnatal service, dimc

This sepia digital image shows the Austin car which was donated to the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in !937 by the Rotary Club of Victoria. It was used by the Matron of the MDNS District Division to visit patients weekly. The photograph is taken outside the MDNS Headquarters at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. The photograph appeared along with an article in The Age Friday May 7, 1937. The photograph appeared in the MDNS Annual Report of 1937. On page 8, mention is made of J.D Johnston Esq, President of the Rotary Club of Victoria, presenting the Austin vehicle to MDNS. Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) has had various modes of transport over the last 130 plus years. At first, from 1885 as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), their Trained nurses (Nurses) walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded public transport was used, and bicycles were bought by the Society in 1903 and used in inner areas until 1945. During the Spanish flu epidemic, in 1919, MDNS appealed for assistance to procure Motor vehicles so the Nurses could visit an influx of cases. Through trusts, grants and donations four 'Ford T Model' cars were procured which enabled the Nurses to triple their visits. Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state two were sold in 1922 and the others later. In 1922-23 three Peugeot cars were purchased and a woman Chauffeur, 'Miss Sword', was employed who lived in the Home and was also in charge of the garage. MDNS was expanding and a Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take the Trained nurses (Sisters) to patients, and some Sisters used their own cars; even a motorcycle was used by one Sister in 1933. All these forms of transport were intermingled and in the early 1950s, and now as Melbourne District Nursing Service, seven Ford Prefect cars were bought followed by twelve Ford Anglia cars 1955. Having received Royal patronage; the now Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own fleet of Holden vehicles by the mid 1960s and the Motor Auxiliary ceased operating in 1971 as by then all staff employed were required to have a driving licence. Seat-belts had been introduced to Victoria in 1959 and District fitted them to their cars from 1962, even though they did not become compulsory until 1970. The Holden vehicles were replaced with grey Holden Torana vehicles. After several years the fleet was changed to white Toyota Corolla vehicles. The Melways Directory of maps was introduced in 1966, which was a boon to the Sisters, though it was a few years before it went beyond Seville, so a large paper map was used by the Sisters visiting patients in the areas passed Seville. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the Sisters travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. In the foreground of this sepia photograph is a side-on view of a four door 1937 style small grey car with a nose shaped bonnet, parked on the road beside the kerb with the headlight facing to the right of the photograph.The bonnet joins onto a straight windscreen which adjoins a slightly curved hood running back along the car. This adjoins a back window which joins onto the sloping rear body of the car with a small protruding boot. Windows are seen above the body work of both facing doors and a smaller sloping window above the body work and rear wheel arch. On the drivers door is a Maltese cross and the words "Melbourne District" written above the Maltese cross and "Nursing Society" below it. In front of this door the body work forms a wheel arch and the headlight is attached between this body work and the bonnet. Rubber tyred wheels with solid hub caps are seen below each wheel arch. On the footpath, behind the bonnet of the car, four Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses (Sisters) are standing. They are wearing dark grey coats over their grey uniforms with white collars, and brimmed grey hats with a Maltese cross on the light coloured headband. The Sister on the right has her left hand gripping the handle on top of her oblong nursing case. A metal spiked fence is behind the Sisters, which runs to the left into one of the two square concrete columns which sit either side of a path. A hedge is behind the fence, and behind this part of a building with three arched windows can be seen. A white plaque is attached to the fence near one of the columns.mdns, melbourne district nursing society, rotary club of victoria, mdns transport, rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns transport

This photograph is a record of Head Nurse, Sister Lee-Archer, and her staff of six Trained nurses, 'Nurses', of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) outside their new Nurse’s Home and Headquarters rented at 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy. The bicycles seen were the first mode of transport purchased by MDNS and allowed these Nurses to extend the nursing visits they made into more Melbourne suburbs.The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) moved into larger premises at No. 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy in May 1904. Head trained Nurse, Lee-Archer and her staff of six Trained nurses pose outside the new ‘Nurse’s Home’ at 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy. The Nurses worked in the districts of North and West Melbourne, the City Proper, Carlton, Richmond, South Melbourne, Fitzroy and Collingwood making 17,954 visits during the year. The Society had a set of bye-laws which outlined the work conditions for the Nurses. Section 111.1 states ‘Each nurse shall be ready to go to her district at 9 am. She will be expected to visit urgent cases on Sundays, and will be required to work eight hours on each week day, to wear the special uniform, and live in the Home of the Society’. In February 1885, only 50 years after Melbourne was founded, it was recognized that nursing care was needed for the sick poor in inner Melbourne. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), the first Society of its kind in Australia, was founded with one Trained nurse, known as 'Nurse' in those days, and a second employed six months later. They liaised with Doctors and worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care. They provided high quality nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness, fresh air and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel for her use. They loaned equipment, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing clean bed linen and nightdresses as necessary. Trained Midwives began home births in late 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. This was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer. As the work increased a third Nurse was employed but due to this arduous work many Nurses only remained with the Society for several months. Permission to use bicycles was given to the Nurses in 1898 and the Society decided to purchase their own in 1903. A business man offered ‘new free wheel’ bicycles at £13 each which included maintenance for one year. Bells and wooden frames were added, at a cost of £5 per frame, so the Nurses could carry extra equipment. Nurses’ bags were strapped to the handlebars. Soup was made for those in need 2-3 times a week and if patients could not arrange to have it collected the soup was delivered by the Nurses on their bicycles. The use of bicycles caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chin, now being used. They provided high quality nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered by a Doctor, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. In 1913 a Nurse had her Board and residence, uniforms, bicycle and laundry expenses provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary was increased by £5, and later she earns £60 a year. Over the years the nurses complained that their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform but this did not occur until 1921. Bicycles continued to be used in inner areas until 1945. Black and white photograph of six Trained nurses and their Matron, who has her hair swept up, and is wearing a long white uniform with belt, and white cap; part of her veil is seen hanging down her back, outside their Nurses Home The trained. nurses are holding their two wheeled bicycles, and are wearing long grey frocks, white collars and belts and straw hats with a Maltese cross in the centre of headband, this is held in place with scarves over the hat and tied under their chins. Their nursing bags are strapped to the handlebars of the bicycles. A black sign with the white capital letters 'Melbourne District Nursing Society. ....nursing the sick poor in their own homes' is on the metal spiked fence. The building is made of brick and five long sash windows are seen in the upper section. A metal roofed veranda, held up with four posts and two brick columns, divides the upper and lower section. A door and three long windows are seen which are partly obscured by several bushes behind the fence.melbourne district nursing society, 5 royal terrace, nicholson st carlton, nurses home, bicycles, mdns transport, royal district nursing service, rdns, mdns trained nurses, sister florence lee-archer

The three student nurses are from Footscray Hospital. The photograph is taken outside the RDNS Footscray Centre where Sister Ellen Anderson is the Supervisor. Sister McHugh is about to take one of the student nurses with her to observe her giving nursing care to patients in the community. During their training, Student nurses from several hospitals either attended the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Education Department, or, a RDNS Nurse Educator travelled to the appropriate hospital’s Education Department to educate the Trainees on District nursing through the RDNS Community Nursing Program. Following the lectures Students went to a RDNS Centre and each student accompanied a Sister for a week observing and gaining knowledge of all facets of nursing care in the home. This gave them an insight into the home conditions and situations patients faced following discharge from hospital. During 1971 there were 584 student nurses who received field experience with RDNS.Black and white photograph showing two Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sisters and three student nurses Two student nurses, in their light coloured hospital uniforms, white caps, and dark capes are on the left of the photograph standing on the footpath and nature strip facing Sister E. Anderson, who is standing to the left of a tree on the nature strip. She has short dark curled hair and is looking to her right towards the nurses. She is wearing her RDNS grey long sleeve uniform dress. A grey coloured car is at the kerb to the right of the photograph. Standing by its front open passenger door is RDNS Sister Clare McHugh, who is wearing her grey uniform coat, with RDNS insignia on the upper area of the sleeve, and she is wearing a grey peaked hat over her short light coloured hair. She is holding her rectangular nursing case in her right hand and her left hand is resting on the top of the open car door. The inside padding of the door can be seen. A hospital uniformed student nurse is standing at the opened passenger door close to the car. Part of two white cars are seen in front of the grey car. Two trees are seen in the left background and houses and trees are seen to the right.Photographers stamp. Quote No. KH 64royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns education to student nurses, sister e. anderson, sister clare mchugh, rdns uniform

The Student nurses are trainees from Footscray Hospital who, as part of their training, are to go out with and observe RDNS Sisters at work for a week. Sister Anderson is Supervisor of RDNS Footscray Centre, During their training, Student nurses from several hospitals either attended the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Education Department, or, a RDNS Nurse Educator travelled to the appropriate hospital’s Education Department to educate the Trainees on District nursing through the RDNS Community Nursing Program. Following the lectures Students went to a RDNS Centre and each student accompanied a Sister for a week observing and gaining knowledge of all facets of nursing care in the home. This gave them an insight into the home conditions and situations patients faced following discharge from hospital. During 1971 there were 584 student nurses who received field experience with RDNS.Black and white photograph showing two Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sisters and three student nurses outside the glass door and large glass window, with a white rectangular sign with the black capital letters, some partly hidden, "Royal District Nursing Service Footscray Centre" attached. In front of this, on the left hand side of the photograph is a side on view of Sister Clare McHugh, wearing her uniform grey coat with RDNS insignia on the upper sleeve, and grey peaked hat over her blonde hair, looking towards two of the Hospital trainees to her right. They are wearing their hospital uniforms of a light grey frock with two rows white buttons down them, and white collars, white caps and dark capes. Further to their right is another uniformed Student nurse who is facing Sister E. Anderson who is in the far right of the photograph. Only the back of her dark short curled hair is seen, as she stands side on looking at the Student nurse. She is wearing her RDNS long sleeve grey uniform. Photographers stamp. Quote No. KH 66royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns - education of student nurses, clare mchugh,, ellen anderson,

Miss Mary Evans is the Director of Nursing of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). RDNS changed its uniform style and colour some time in 1971 and this 1972 photograph of the Sisters shows them wearing the new winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a V neck tunic style frock made of blue/grey herringbone winter material, with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, and a beret style hat of the same material. The hat was worn on official occasions. Miss Evans is wearing her uniform of a grey blouse and a skirt and long V neck jacket made of the same blue/grey herringbone winter material worn by the Sisters. The photograph is taken on the steps of RDNS Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Rd, Melbourne. Part of the white building is seen either side of the steps, and behind the Sisters the wooden and glass panel door is seen.From its earliest years when Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) began to wear uniforms the chosen colour was grey, though the style changed throughout the years as fashions changed from the late 1800s through to the 1970s. Their Trained nurses (Nurses) firstly wore long grey frocks and later a white collar, cuffs and white belt was added, and on their head they wore a white cap with a long white tail hanging from the centre back. When bicycles were introduced the headgear changed to a white pith helmet adorned with a red Maltese cross in the centre front. This was held on with a veil going over the hat and tied under the chin. Over the years there were complaints that the veils became wet in the rain and they asked for a change of uniform, but this did not happen until 1921. Twelve years later the Trained nurses (Sisters) complained their skirts became wet when riding their bicycles in the rain and asked, when raining, to be able to wear breeches and gaiters. This was granted provided they wore aprons when attending patients. It was not long before the uniform changed to a shorter length grey frock, red cardigan, grey coat and grey brimmed hat; later changed to a peaked grey hat. In 1966 MDNS were granted Royal patronage. Now as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sisters Liz Thomson and Bev Armstrong, in 1971, designed a new uniform and the colour was changed. By 1972 the Sisters were wearing the new winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a V neck tunic style frock made of blue/grey herringbone winter material with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, and a beret style hat of the same material. In summer the uniform became a royal blue V neck tunic style frock, with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, worn over a short sleeve white blouse. A royal blue peaked hat with the RDNS insignia in the centre front was worn at first and then only worn on official occasions. This uniform was worn until changed to a corporate style in the mid 1980s,Black and white photograph of Miss Mary Evans of the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), with a group of RDNS Sisters standing, in twos, down the steps outside part of a white painted.building. They are wearing their winter uniforms of a grey V neck tunic style frock worn over a lighter grey skivvie. They are all wearing the matching grey beret style hat. The RDNS insignia is seen on the upper left of their uniforms and in the centre front of their hats. Some of the Sisters are partly hidden. L-R Back row - Sisters: Barbara Watson, who has blonde hair and Judy Peter who has darker hair. The next row down is - Betty McDonald, who has short dark hair and Fonce Hoey, who has curled hair. The next row down is V. Sheehan with dark curly hair, Miss Mary Evans, with dark curled hair and M. Lambert with dark curled hair. Front row - A. Tyler, who is wearing glasses and has short dark hair and Mary Gawith with short dark curled hair. She is wearing below the knee black boots.Photographer stamp. Quote No. LA 3melbourne district nursing society, mdns, royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns uniform, miss mary evans, sister barbara watson, sister judy peter, sister betty mcdonald, sister fonce hoey, sister v sheehan, sister h. lambert, sister a. tyler, sister mary gawith

Miss Evans is the Director of Nursing of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). She and the group of RDNS Sisters are standing on the staircase inside RDNS Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne.The photograph on the right rear is of a full view of 452. They are wearing the new winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie worn under a V neck tunic style herringbone winter material dress with the RDNS insignia on the upper left. Their beret style hats are made of the same herringbone material. Miss Evans is wearing her uniform of a grey blouse, and a skirt and long jacket made of the blue/grey herringbone winter material.From its earliest years when Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) began to wear uniforms the chosen colour was grey, though the style changed throughout the years as fashions changed from the late 1800s through to the 1970s. Their Trained nurses (Nurses) firstly wore long grey frocks, and later a white collar, cuffs and white belt was added, and on their heads they wore a white cap with a long white tail hanging from the centre back. When bicycles were introduced in 1903 the headgear changed to a white pith helmet adorned with a red Maltese cross in the centre front. This was held on with a veil going over the hat and tied under the chin. Over the years there were complaints that the veils became wet in the rain and they asked for a change of uniform, but this did not happen until 1921. Twelve years later the Trained nurses (Sisters) complained their skirts became wet when riding their bicycles in the rain and asked, when raining, to be able to wear breeches and gaiters. This was granted provided they wore aprons when attending patients. It was not long before the uniform changed to a shorter length grey frock, red cardigan, grey coat and grey brimmed hat; later changed to a peaked grey hat. In 1966 MDNS were granted Royal patronage. Now as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sisters Liz Thomson and Bev Armstrong, in 1971, designed a new uniform and the colour was changed. By 1972 the Sisters were wearing the new winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a V neck tunic style frock made of blue/grey herringbone winter material with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, and a beret style hat of the same material. In summer the uniform became a royal blue V neck tunic style frock, with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, worn over a short sleeve white blouse. A royal blue peaked hat with the RDNS insignia in the centre front was worn at first and then only worn on official occasions. This uniform was worn until changed to a corporate style in the mid 1980s,Black and white photograph showing Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Miss Mary Evans amid a group of RDNS Sisters standing down the steps of an internal staircase. They are wearing their new winter RDNS uniforms of a light grey skivvy under a V neck tunic style grey frock with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, and a beret style hat of the same material. Sisters from top to bottom:- P. Rowley, who is wearing glasses and has short dark hair, next down is F. Hoey, who has short dark hair and then in pairs L-R A. Tyler, wearing glasses and with dark curled hair and B. Watson, who has shoulder length blonde curled hair. Next down is B. McDonald with short dark hair and J. Peter, with curly dark hair. Next down is Miss Evans, who has short curled hair, On the next step down is V. Sheehan, who has short wavy blonde hair, down further is M. Gawith, who has short dark hair and is wearing below the knee black boots. and in front is M. Lambert who has short dark hair and has her hospital badge attached under the centre neck of her skivvy. The staircase has dark wooden turned balustrades topped with a matching curved handrail and below this is white woodwork. In the rear of the photograph part of a stained glass window can be seen and on the right is part of a large photograph. Photographer stamp. Quote No. LA 4melbourne district nursing society, mdns, royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns uniform, miss mary evans, sister pat (paddy) rowley, sister fonce hoey, sister a. tyler, sister barbara watson, sister betty mcdonald, sister judy peter, sister mary gawith, sister v. sheehan, sister m. lambert

Sr. Tarn is based at the RDNS Heidelberg Centre and is wearing her RDNS uniform of a royal blue V neck tunic style frock over a white short sleeve blouse, and her uniform royal blue peaked cap with the central attached RDNS insignia. The photograph is taken at two year old Lynette Singh's home. Gradually over the years, Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS), later known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1966 when they received Royal patronage, opened Centres throughout the Melbourne Metropolitan area and outer suburbs with Heidelberg Centre opening in 1971. Their Trained nurses (Sisters) left from these Centres each morning to carry out their nursing visits in a specific area (district), taking any sterilized equipment needed with them. They returned at the end of the day to write up their patients nursing histories, clean and reset any equipment used ready for re-sterilization, and contact other medical and community personal as necessary. The Trained nurses (Nurses) of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), visited patients in their home and gave best practice care in many fields of nursing, and to people of many cultures, throughout its 130 years of expansion. Initial visits not only assessed the specific nursing situation but the situation as a whole. Their patients ranged in age from babes, children, adults to the elderly and referrals were taken from Hospitals, General Practitioners and allied Health facilities. Some of the care their Trained nurses (Sisters) provided is as follows: – Post-Natal care given to mother and babe, Wound Care following various types of surgery, accidents, burns, cancer, leg ulcers etc. Supervising and teaching Diabetic Care, including teaching and supervising people with Diabetes to administer their own Insulin, and administering Insulin to those unable to give their own injections. Administering other injections and setting up weekly medication boxes. The Sisters performed Catheterizations on adults suffering from conditions such as Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Guillan-Barre Syndrome, and when required at school on children for e.g. those with Spina Bifida. The Sisters visited those requiring Cystic Fibrosis support and care; those requiring Haemo-Oncology care, including visiting children at school; those requiring Home Enteral Feeding care, and those requiring IV therapy at home and home Dialysis. Palliative Care was given including pain relief with the use of syringe drivers, personal care as needed, and advice and support to both patient and family. The Sisters provided Stoma management to those needing Urostomy, Ileostomy and Colostomy care and those requiring Continence care. HIV/AIDS nursing care was provided; visits to Homeless Persons were made. Personal care was given to patients ranging in age and with varying mobility problems, such as those with MS, MND, Guillan-Barre Syndrome, Poliomyelitis, Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Acquired Brain Injury, to those following a Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke), those with severe Arthritis and those with a form of Dementia. When necessary the elderly were assisted with personal care and advice given on safety factors with the use of hand rails, bath or shower seats, and hand showers. Rehabilitation with an aim towards independence remained at the forefront of the Sister’s minds and when possible using aids and instruction on safe techniques enabled the person to become fully independent. All care included giving advice and support to the patient and their Carers. The Sisters liaised with the persons Doctor, Hospital and allied Health personal when necessary.Black and white photograph of Sister (Sr.) Joan Tarn of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), holding little Lynette Singh in her arms. On the left of the photograph is the upper view of Sr. Tarn who is slightly turned to her left, and has her left arm under Lynette supporting her, and her right hand is on the upper area of Lynette's left arm . She is smiling as she holds Lynette who has a round visage; is looking to her left and her dark curled hair is against Sr. Tarn's left cheek; her left arm is extended over Sr. Tarn's right shoulder. She is wearing a frock with a white background and dark poker dot top section and a darker patterned skirt. Sr. Tarn is wearing her RDNS uniform of a dark V neck tunic style frock over a white short sleeve blouse. Her uniform peaked cap with the central RDNS insignia is worn over her dark curled short hair. In the background the weatherboards of Lynette's home can be seen with a short curtain covering part of a window.Photographer stamp. Quote No. LF 88royal district nursing service, rdns, sister joan tarn, lynette singh

Button worn and distributed to staff and interested parties as part of a campaign that supported maintaining bachelor of nursing and midwivery programs in the university system. In late 2007-2008, regulatory authorities in Victoria were considering the possibility of education providers from the Vocational Education & Training (VET) sector (e.g. TAFEs and RTOs) receiving accreditation to offer bachelor-level nursing and midwifery qualifications. The Australian Nursing Federation (Victorian Branch), the peak industrial and professional body for Victorian nurses and midwives, resisted these moves, arguing that the approval of VET providers to offer Bachelor programs would have an adverse impact on the supply of registered nurses into the Victorian health workforce. Completion of a bachelor of nursing or midwifery remains a precondition of practising as a registered ('division 1') nurse or midwife in Australia.Circular blue and white plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with the white text 'University education for all Div[ision] 1 RNs [Registered Nurses] and [Registered Midwives]' and a small black and white image of a square academic/trencher cap.nurses, nursing, badges, education, training, qualifications, university, australian nursing federation, workforce, midwives, midwifery, undergraduate, registered nurse, registered midwife, buttons, pins

Northern District School of Nursing nurse's base uniform 1950s - 70s.Blue cotton uniform worn beneath white apron. The uniform is open at the front with eight button holes in right placket for buttons and shanks to attach. There are corresponding buttonholes on left side for closing, a small pocket at top left and a pocket at RHS of skirt. There is a small buttonhole at back of neck to attach white collar and white cuffs are attached to sleeves with two white buttons. The front has gathering from below the shoulders and the back top has an inverted pleat at centre. There is a white belt with two white buttons at one end attached with shanks and three sets of two button holes at the other end for closing. There is a white cap with frill and a line of blue braid above the frill indicating a third year trainee. There is a white apron with four buttonholes at the waist for closing and for the two shoulder straps.A white tag with Joy Lewis' in red is attached to all items. N.T.S in black marking pen is printed on back hem of neck. There are many black marking pen numbers and letters on the cap: NTS, BAS, 574, BH5, 530, 574 The apron has the name Lewis and figures 638 in black marking pen on inside of waist.nurses uniform, northern district school of nursing