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Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Booklet - Annual Report, Melbourne District Nursing Society. Annual report. 1949-1950, 1950
The 65th Annual report includes details of the Committee of Management and Honorary Governors . Reports from the President, Matron of the After-Care Hospital, Matron of MDNS, the Social Service Officer and Honorary Obstetricians. There are also financial, Auxiliary and donor reports. Centre pages contain black and white photos for the After-Care Hospital.MDNS published annual reports from 1885. The reports document the people, social conditions, events and achievements of the Society from that time.Grey paper cover with red cross in centre and includes title and printers details. 33 pages with black text and 6 black and white photos in centre pagesmelbourne district nursing society, annual report, 1950 -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, sepia, 1916
Matron Freeman and the MDNS Trained Nurses are wearing long grey coats and white pith helmets, which display a red Maltese cross.The Pith helmets are held on with a white veil. The two Bicycles with nursing bags attached to handlebars show the transport used by MDNS at that time.. Nurses - Back - L-R - O'Sullivan, Deans, Warren, Amess, Pat Lee and Jane with bicycle Front - L-R - Blanche Wilson, Matron Janie Freeman, Peake and Brown. In February 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 with one Trained nurse (Nurse), and a second employed six months later. This was the first such service in Australia. They 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 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. 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 August 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe as needed. This was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer. 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. In 1913 a Nurse had her Board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expensive provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary is 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. Bicycles continued to be used in inner areas until 1945. 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.Sepia photograph on brown card mount with 'Kirk Studio' on bottom right of the card. The photograph shows Matron Freeman and nine Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses, (Nurses), with bicycles. The back row of six Nurses are standing and the Nurses either end are holding bicycles which have leather oblong nursing bags attached to the handlebars with two straps. The front row are seated. All are wearing the MDNS uniform of long dark coats and white helmets, with white scarves covering them and tied under their chins. A Maltese cross can be seen in the centre of the helmets. Both bicycles have two large wire spoked wheels at either end of the black V shape bicycle frame; a rubber tyre runs around the outside of each wheel. The metal handlebars are a horizontal configuration and are attached with a central column into a black vertical column at the front of the V shape bicycle frame which has 'fork shaped' thin metal pierces running down either side of the wheel attaching the frame to the central hub of the wheel. The rear wheel is attached the same way to a central column at the rear of the frame which runs up to V shape solid seat. At the bottom of the V of the frame a pedal is attached with a rotating arm on either side of the bicycle and on the right side the rotating arm is attached to a sprocket which has a chain running around it back to a smaller sprocket on the hub of the back wheel. The chain has a thin metal guard over it. There are narrow thin metal mud guards running a short distance above the top of each wheel.Photographer's embossed stampmdns, melbourne district nursing society, mdns uniforms, mdns transport, mdns matron, rdns, royal district nursing service, nurse blanche wilson, nurse pat lee, nurse deans, nurse o'sullivan, nurse warren, nurse amess, nurse peak, nurse brown, matron janie freeman -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, Barry Sutton, 14.09.1972
This black and white photograph shows a group of RDNS Sisters who are part of the Post Basic Community Nursing Course. They are receiving education from Sr. Pat (Paddy) Rowley, RDNS Principal Nurse Educator. The session is being held in the Education Department at the Royal District Nursing Service Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Rd, Melbourne.The RDNS winter uniform worn is a blue/grey skivvie under a blue/grey V neck tunic style herringbone winter material frock.Melbourne District Nursing Service ran its first Post-Basic Course for community nurses in 1962. Sisters attended the course for 12 weeks. The course ran annually until the mid 1990s. Education was an integral part of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, later, in 1966, called Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS). From 1885, only Trained nurses (Nurses) through the Hospital training system, were employed by the Society, and on visits to patients they taught the necessity of hygiene and cleanliness, as well as the need for a good diet, to bring about good health. Doctor’s lectures were later given at the MDNS home to instruct patients and their families on prevention of disease. Education to patients continued throughout the years regarding health care and the use of equipment in the home. In 1961, Education programs commenced at MDNS with their Trained nurses (Sisters) receiving In-service education. Sr. Pat (Paddy) Rowley was a leader in In-service Education and established the RDNS Department of Community Nursing Education in 1962. Staff could also apply for scholarships to further their education outside of RDNS. Many of their senior Sisters received Postgraduate diplomas from the College of Nursing in Community Health Nursing, Education, and Administration, and several travelled overseas visiting nursing organizations viewing their public health and District nursing systems. At RDNS many programs were run, including: a Post Basic Course, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nursing, Haematology/Oncology Nursing, Palliative Care program, Diabetic Stabilization Program, Leg Ulcer Management Program, Wound Care Specialist Program, HIV/AIDS Nursing Care, Cystic Fibrosis Home Support, Veterans Home Care Program, Breast Cancer Support Program, Continence Management Program, Stomal Therapy Program, In-Home Lactation Support Program and the Homeless Persons Program. RDNS staff attended several hospitals to observe and learn special care needed to some patients, e.g. to the Austin Hospital to learn the care required for paraplegic and quadriplegic patients at home, and to Mount Royal Hospital to observe the care of patients in the Rehabilitation ward. A Community Nursing Education Program was extended to student nurses from hospitals and to other nursing organizations. These Education programs kept the RDNS Sisters abreast of new techniques, such as changes in technology for e.g. new testing methods in detecting glucose levels in Diabetic patients. Sr. Nan Deakin obtained a Post Basic Certificate in Psychiatric Nursing and included this area in her Education lectures. Sr. Daphne Geldard specialized in the area of Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. These Sisters visited patients in District areas with the regular RDNS Sister when required. Every member of staff, both professional and non professional staff, received regular education in the Education Department. In 1980, a Home Health Aide pilot study, funded by the Federal Government, the Brotherhood of St. Laurence and RDNS, with the program written and taught by Sr. Rowley, was evaluated as successful, and Home Health Aides were employed and worked in RDNS Centres under the supervision of RDNS Sisters. This black and white photograph is of a group of seven Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sisters sitting in a semi-circle in two rows at single small two shelf tables. There are open white paged books or papers on each table and some of the Sisters have pens in their hands. The Sister sitting in the front far right is Sr. Affleck, who has dark short curly hair. The other Sisters have dark short hair in various styles. Further right in the photograph stands Sr. Rowley, who has dark short hair and is wearing glasses. She has her left hand supporting a torso of an anatomical model which is sitting on a table slightly to her left. She and the Sisters are looking at the vertebrae down the spine of the model. Another empty table is in front of the semi-circle and it sits in the centre foreground of the photograph. In the rear between Sr. Affleck and Sr. Rowley, a piece of equipment stands on a table. To the right of the photograph part of a large blackboard can be seen. The Sisters are wearing light grey skivvies under a darker V neck tunic style frock with the RDNS insignia on its upper left.Photographers stamp. Quote No. LD 8rdns education, rdns uniform, royal district nursing service, sister pat (paddy) rowley, sister margaret affleck -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, sepia, c.1920
A public appeal was made to raise funds for Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) so motor cars could be purchased to assist their Trained nurses, known as 'Nurse' in those days, with their visits during the Spanish Influenza epidemic of 1919. With donations from businesses and individuals four cars were available within a month, and this photograph shows two of them In 1919 parked outside 'Floraston', 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood, which was the first MDNS Headquarters and Nursing Home purchased by the Society. The MDNS uniform was a grey cotton frock with white collar, a grey coat with lapels, and a grey brimmed hat with a red Maltese cross in the centre of the hatband. From its founding in 1885 until 1891 the Trained nurses, known as 'Nurse' in those days, of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) worked from their own homes which were located in the vicinity of their areas (districts). In November 1891 MDNS was able to rent a two story terraced house at 66 Cardigan Street, Carlton, at £65 a year, which contained accommodation for three Nurses and one pupil nurse as well as being used as their Headquarters. They left from their Nurses Home each morning and returned at the end of their shift to write up their book work before retiring for the day. Three years later they moved into a larger terraced house at 49 Drummond Street Carlton which was rented at ‘a very moderate rental’. There was a Board room, apartments for the Nurses and pupil nurse, a large dispensary which patients could attend each evening to have prescriptions signed and bottles refilled with ‘homely remedies’ and elixirs, which were administered to for e.g. Consumptive cases. Doctor’s prescriptions were filled at the Pharmacy. Cupboards containing donated blankets and bedclothes for needy patients were kept in this room, and it was here where the Nurses kept their nursing bags which were refilled at the end of each shift ready for any emergency and for the next day. A list of Doctors the Nurses could call was kept by the telephone. The home also had a kitchen where nourishing soup was made and distributed twice a week to the needy. Milk was also distributed when needed. In 1902 they moved into rented premises at 188 Leicester Street, Carlton and two years later, in 1904, to premises at 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy. They remained there for ten years. In June 1914 at last the Society had sufficient funding to purchase their own terraced premises, ‘Floraston’ 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood which was their Headquarters and Nurses Home. In 1926 the After-Care Home for recovering patients, (later called After-Care Hospital) was built by the Society next door, running from 41-47 Victoria Parade (became No. 45); the District nurses continued to live at No. 39. District Nursing has had various modes of transport over the last 130 plus years. At first, from 1885 as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), the 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 they were sold in 1927. A Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take Trained nurses, now called '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 until MDNS and, having received Royal patronage, the now named Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own full fleet of vehicles.Sepia photograph on grey mounting board depicting four Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses (Nurses) sitting in two motor vehicles in front of Melbourne District Nursing Society Headquarters and Nurses Home. In the foreground are the two Ford Model T vehicles with their soft hoods open. Each car has four spoked wheels. A frame where a spare wheel is attached can be seen attached to the rear car's running board. A spare wheel, with white tyre, can be seen standing up resting against the middle of the front car; the lower section of the tyre is sitting on the running board. The steering wheel can be seen on the right hand side of both cars with a Nurse sitting behind it with her hands resting on the wheel. The upper part seen of the two MDNS Nurses in each car shows they are wearing grey uniform coats over their frocks, the white collars of which can be seen. They are all looking at the camera, and are wearing grey hats with a central Maltese cross on the white hatband. Behind the cars the footpath and the metal spiked fence, with a square concrete columns at either end can be seen. '39' is near the top of the left hand column and a white oblong name plate is attached to the fence. On the far right of the photograph a wooden gate runs from the column. A dark name plate is attached with the words 'Patient Entrance' / - 'Melbourne District Nursing Society -/ For Nursing the Sick Poor'. Behind this are a row of shrubs forming a hedge and behind this the two storey terrace building with its three arched arcade veranda on the ground floor and three long widows on the top floor with a veranda with a metal scrolled safety rail. The building has a flat roof with a central raised section with 'Floraston', written in capital letters on it. XJ. 13. is written in black ink on the bottom right corner of the photographPhotographer's stamp on mounting boardmelbourne district nursing society, mdns, transport, nurses home, rdns, royal district nursing service -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Digital image, 1937
This digital image appeared in the MDNS 1937 Annual Report and depicts one of the aspects of nursing care carried out by the District Sisters of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in a home in the suburbs of Melbourne.The Trained nurses (Nurses) of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, provided wound care to their patients who ranged in age from the very young to the elderly. As research developed better products and dressing materials, the methods and medication applied to wounds changed. MDNS received Royal patronage in 1966 and as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), the Education department developed wound care programs, such as the Leg Ulcer Management Program to provide their Trained nurses (Sisters) with methods of best quality care. They instructed RDNS Wound Care Specialists who made assessments and provided advice and support to the District Sisters working in the field as needed. The Sisters liaised with the patient’s Doctors and Hospitals to provide information on the progress of patient’s wounds and to receive any change of wound care from the Doctors. On the left of this black and white digital image is a little girl who is sitting on the top step of a wooden stool which is against a light coloured wall. The little girl has short dark straight hair; is wearing a dark jumper and skirt and is holding a light coloured bandage in her right hand. Her long grey socks are pushed down and she is wearing black sandals. Her right leg is bent and her foot is resting on the lower step. Her left leg is extended and she is looking down at a Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Sister who is on her right, as she is swabbing a wound on the girls left knee. The Sister is wearing her uniform dark cardigan over her grey dress which has a white collar, and her grey brimmed hat, with central Maltese cross on the hatband, is worn over her short hair. She is looking down at the child's wound and in her right hand she has a pair of forceps holding a white swab against the wound on the girl's knee. Her left hand is under, and supporting, the girl's knee.mdns uniform, melbourne district nursing society, rdns, royal district nursing service, mdns wound care -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Digital image, c.1922
The photograph appeared in the MDNS Annual Report of 1922 and is taken on the veranda of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Nurses Home at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. The Sisters lived and worked out of the Nurses Home from June 1914 to 1953. They attended the disadvantaged in the inner suburbs of Melbourne. The Sisters and Matron are wearing the grey uniform and hat with a red Maltese cross is in the centre of the hatband which was introduced in 1921. These Sisters, plus two others visited 29.079 visits in the metropolitan area and in suburbs as far distant as Elwood, Glen Huntly, Deepdene, Essendon and Fairfield. Of the 1666 patients on the books 394 were midwifery patients nursed in their own homes. It is believed the Matron in the photograph is Matron Reynolds. In February 1885 it was recognized that nursing care was needed for the sick poor in inner Melbourne. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded on the 17th of February with one Trained nurse (Nurse) who qualified under the Hospital training system, commencing on the 1st of May, and a second employed six months later, both 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. 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. The also supplied 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 and clothes as necessary. In 1891 the first Nurses Home was rented for 1 year at £65 per annum at 66 Cardigan Street, Carlton; Nurses wages were now £60 per annum. A Doctor gave lectures from the Home to the public on the understanding and prevention of diseases. The Society decided to commence a Midwifery Service and Nurse Fowler, who had previously worked for the Society, was re-employed as their first trained Midwife. She began home births in August 1893 giving them Ante Natal care, taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe as needed. Following birth, she gave Post-natal care to the mother and babe twice a day for three days and then daily for a week, and longer if required. She resigned after twelve months and Nurse Wilkie was appointed to the position. As well as walking, the Nurses used Public transport in the limited areas it ran, though a taxi was used by the Nurses and Midwife in emergencies and at night. Late in 1891 the Society moved to larger rented premises at 49 Drummond Street and in 1902 moved to 188 Leicester Street, Carlton. 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. 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. In 1914 the Society was at last able to purchase their own premises, 'Floraston' 39 Victoria Parade in Collingwood. During the Spanish Influenza 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. It was recorded on the 21st of May, that the seven Nurses had visited 1,212 persons with influenza in the last three months, how many visits to each is not known. In the whole of 1918 the Nurses, including midwifery cases, visited 1,100 persons. It was also recorded on May 7th the Nurses were delivering 100 quarts of soup to the needy each morning. In winter they also carried wood in the cars to distribute to their destitute patients as needed. In 1921-22 many of the people nursed by the Trained nurses (Sisters) suffered from malignant and tubercular disease, often the Sister would visit to find the patient was desperately ill living in a room alone and no one there to even give them a drink. In these cases the Sister would send them to hospital, but if possible most cases were nursed in their home. During July 1921- 30 June 1922 the four Midwifery trained Sisters averaged 8 confinement cases a week and sometimes gave Post Natal care to 15 to 18 patients a day. At the time of confinement a Student from the Women's Hospital accompanied the MDNS Sister and if complications occurred the patient was transferred to the Women's Hospital. The Society often had to provide blankets, sheets, set of baby clothes and night gowns for the mother. In many instances the Society provided milk for many months. The midwifery Sisters often travelled long distances in the cars Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state they were sold in 1927 and the Sisters went back to using public transport, as well as their bicycles which continued to be used in inner areas until 1945.. The Midwives used taxis when a birth was imminent. Black and white photograph showing 9 Sisters, 5 standing at rear and Matron, in the centre, of 4 seated Sisters on a balcony wearing their Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) uniforms of grey coats, with revered collars and belt, over their partly seen grey uniforms with white collars. Five of the Sisters are wearing glasses. All are wearing grey brimmed hats with a Maltese cross in the centre of the lighter colour hatband. Part of deep metal scroll work of the veranda rail can be seen. A concrete wall is behind the Sisters.mdns, mdns matron, miss reynolds, royal district nursing service, rdns, melbourne district nursing society, mdns uniforms -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white:, Barry Sutton, 10.08.1971
Sr. Scott is in a room in the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Melbourne Centre. She is wearing the RDNS grey uniform dress which has the insignia "Royal District Nursing Service" written in white on a grey background attached to the upper sleeves. The photograph is showing some of the equipment which is available for temporary loan to RDNS patients.From the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), in 1885, known as the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1966, equipment was loaned and demonstrated to patients and their family members, to enable them to care for their loved ones in their home. In the 1970s RDNS employed a Physiotherapist who taught RDNS staff the correct transferring techniques, including the use of a hoist when this became available. RDNS staff taught and used these techniques in patient’s homes to undertake safe transfer of the patient and to reduce physical strain on RDNS nursing staff and family members. Each RDNS Centre had a room or shed where equipment for loan was kept. Headquarters also kept additional equipment which could be transported to Centres as required. Black and white digital image portraying Sister Scott, who is smiling and has her dark hair drawn up, checking equipment. She is holding a bath seat in her hands. Behind her on a table, left to right, is an air cushion, draw sheets, male urinal, female urinal, bed pan and a sheepskin which is in front of a wooden board with rows of cup hooks and names under each hook. In the left foreground is a hoist with a white sling hanging from either side of the front hanger. To its right is a closed wheelchair, a 4 pronged walking stick, and a commode to the right of Sr. Scott.Barry Sutton Photographer. Quote KL 49rdns, rdns equipment, rdns uniform, royal district nursing service, sister scott -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Digital image, Barry Sutton, 10.08.1971
The RDNS Sister is about to leave to visit patients in their homes in the community to administer nursing care as advised by a Doctor. The RDNS insignia on the door of the car is a round badge with a royal blue circle around the edge with the words "Royal District Nursing Service" in white, and the centre section is in three parts ,with the upper and lower sections white, and a royal blue centre strip with the large white capital letters "RDNS".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. Black and White Photograph of a Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister about to enter one of the new light grey 2 door Holden Torana RDNS cars. The Sister, who is smiling, is wearing her uniform grey peaked hat over her long dark hair which is drawn back. She is wearing her long grey coat with the RDNS insignia on the upper sleeve and is holding the partly opened driver side door of the car with her left hand. She is holding the handle on the top of her rectangular black nursing case with her right hand. To the right, the grill and black number plate, with the white writing displaying "KXF 024", can be seen. The round RDNS insignia is on the upper centre of the car door. The car is the same width all over, has a flat bonnet which joins a sloping windscreen adjoining a flat roof which runs along and joins a short back window running down to a boot. A black tyred wheel can be seen under wheel arches at the front and near the rear of the vehicle. In the background to the left is a mid size bare tree; behind this portions of several parked cars and behind them a multi storey building with the Written words "Rioby House". To its right and directly behind the car is a mid size bare tree and behind that the end view of a brick building with a hip roof. Barry Sutton Photographer. Quote KL 52rdns transport, rdns uniform, royal district nursing service, rdns -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, Barry Sutton, 26.06.1972
The photograph of the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Holden Torana vehicles was taken in the RDNS Headquarters car park at the rear of 452 St Kilda Road. These cars are part of the RDNS fleet, with others housed at RDNS Centres. The cars were used by the RDNS District nurses to visit patients in their own homes. This photograph depicts two door Holden Torana cars of 1972.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. Black and white photograph of 14, some partly hidden, new grey Holden Torana two door vehicles parked in two rows in the RDNS concrete based car park. The cars are parked with their front lights, grill, bumper bars and number plates facing the left of the photograph. The cars are seen side-on with the full side-on view of the two cars at the beginning of the rows seen in the foreground of the photograph. The flat bonnet is the same width as the rest of the body of the car; the windscreen slopes upward and joins the flat roof; there are two wiper blades resting at the base of the windscreen. In line, and at the level of the windscreen, a quarter window, and two windows divided by a narrow pillar can be seen running along the side of the car above the slightly convex body work and front door. The rear window slopes back from the roof and the slope continues on the upper bodywork of the boot lid. A metal strip runs along the side of the car about half way down the bodywork, and another runs just up from the beginning of the front wheel arch to the rear wheel arch; beside the front wheel arch is the word 'Torana'. The round, with capital letters 'RDNS', insignia can be seen on the upper centre of the front door of the two cars. The solid wheel caps have the Holden logo on them. The front grill which runs between the headlights on either side of the car, slopes slightly backwards from the central Holden badge. The bumper bar below this is metal. Black number plates with white written capital letters and numbers 'LFA - 208' and 'LFA - 207' are seen on two of the cars in the front row. The tops of two front seats with headrests and the top of a long back seat can be seen inside the car. A tall brick fence is seen running along the rear and right hand side of the car park. In the left background is a two storey building with a flat roof, and behind this on its left is a part of a tall building and to its right part of a bare tree can be seen. To the buildings right rear part of a house can be seen. In front and to the right of this is a three storey brick building, with the top two storeys seen above the car park fence. Multiple windows run along both levels of this building which has a tiled hip roof. The tops of some bushes are seen behind parts of the car park fence.Barry Sutton Photographer's Stamp Quote KX83rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns transport, rdns headquarters, rdns car park -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, Barry Sutton, 26.06.1972
This photograph is a good view of the car park at RDNS Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, with the new Torana two door vehicles. The RDNS insignia seen on some of the cars is a thin royal blue circle with the words "Royal District Nursing Service" written in white capital letters. The centre section is in three with the top and bottom section white and the centre section royal blue with the large capital white letters "RDNS" written across it.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. Black and white photograph taken above, and giving a "birds eye view", of the car park and latest fleet of grey Holden Torana two door vehicles owned by Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). The fourteen cars are parked in two rows with the front of the cars facing to the left of the photograph. The round RDNS insignia is seen in the upper centre of some car doors. A tall brick wall is seen along the rear and right hand side of the car park. Two fire extinguishers are seen attached to the lower area of the rear brick wall in the open space between the two rows of cars. In the background and to the left, a road, some cars and parts of two brick buildings are seen as well as several small bare trees.Barry Sutton's Photographers Stamp. Quote KX 86royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns transport, rdns headquarters, rdns carpark, -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, Barry Sutton, 19.07.1972
This photograph is taken in a room in the RDNS Heidelberg Centre. The Sisters are demonstrating a lifting technique to staff members. The Sisters are wearing their RDNS winter uniforms which are a blue/grey skivvie under a blue/grey V neck tunic style herringbone winter material dress with the RDNS insignia on the upper left. From the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in 1885, known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1966, the rehabilitation of patients to insure they were able to live independently in their own homes was at the forefront of care given by their Trained nurses. As well as teaching and supervising the use of equipment, their Trained nurses taught them safe transfer techniques. These techniques were also taught to family members to enable them to care for their loved ones. RDNS at first held workshops given by a contracted private Physiotherapist, before employing their own Physiotherapist in 1975, who taught staff the correct transfer techniques, not only for safety of the patient, but to reduce physical strain on RDNS nursing staff and patient’s family members. When required the Physiotherapist accompanied the Sister on her visit to the patient in their home.Black and white photograph of three Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sisters demonstrating a safe bed transfer. From Left to Right is the side on view of Sisters Daphne Geldard, who has short dark curled hair with her left arm around the back of Sister Elizabeth Francis, and her right arm under her legs. Sister Francis has short dark hair and is smiling. She has her right arm over the shoulders of Sr. Geldard, and her left arm is over the shoulder of Sr. Bev Armstrong. Her buttocks are slightly off the bed which has a white pillow and grey blanket. Sr. Armstrong is facing both Sisters. She has short straight blonde hair and has her eyes closed. She has her right arm around the back of Sr. Frances and her left arm is under her legs. The three Sisters are wearing light coloured skivvies under a darker V neck tunic style dress with the RDNS insignia on the upper left. Barry Sutton's Photographer's Stamp. Reprint Quote Number: KY22 Handwritten on back of photo are the names of the RDNS staff members and the location is Heidelberg Centrerdns, royal district nursing service, rdns uniform, rdns physiotherapist, rdns centre, sister daphne geldard, sister elizabeth francis, sister bev armstrong -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, Barry Sutton, 19.07.1972
Mrs P.. Cosh is a private Physiotherapist contracted by RDNS to educate RDNS nursing staff in safe transferring techniques. This photograph is taken in the Heidelberg Centre. The RDNS Sisters are wearing their winter uniforms of a blue/grey skivvie under a blue/grey V neck tunic style herringbone winter material dress,From the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in 1885, known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1966, the rehabilitation of patients to insure they were able to live independently in their own homes was at the forefront of care given by their Trained nurses. As well as teaching and supervising the use of equipment, their Trained nurses taught them safe transfer techniques. These techniques were also taught to family members to enable them to care for their loved ones. RDNS at first held workshops given by a contracted private Physiotherapist before employing their own Physiotherapist in 1975 who taught staff the correct techniques, not only for safety of the patient, but to reduce physical strain on RDNS nursing staff and patient’s family members. When required the Physiotherapist accompanied the Sister on her visit to the patient in their home.On the left in the black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister Elizabeth Francis, who has curled dark hair and is kneeling on a mat looking down at Sr. Bev. Armstrong, who has straight blonde hair and is lying on a mat on the floor with her head resting on a white pillow and her right arm resting across her body. Behind and slightly to the right of Sr. Armstrong is Sr. Daphne Geldard who has short dark curled hair. She is kneeling on the mat and looking down at Sr. Armstrong. To her right is Physiotherapist Mrs. P. Cosh, who has dark short curled hair and is wearing a check suite. She is looking at Sr. Armstrong and has her left hand resting on the out edge of Sr. Armstrong's right hand. The RDNS Sisters are wearing a light coloured skivvie under a darker V neck tunic style dress. A closed wooden door is behind the Sisters with pale walls either side. Lino tiles are on the floor either side the mat on which Sr. Armstrong lay.Barry Sutton Photographer's Stamp, Quote KY28, names of staff hand written on back of photographrdns, royal district nursing service, nurses uniforms, rdns physiotherapist, sister elizabeth francis, sister bev armstrong, sister daphne geldard, mrs p. cosh -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, Barry Sutton, 19.07.1972
Miss Kosch is a private physiotherapist contracted by RDNS. She is at RDNS Heidelberg Centre teaching RDNS staff a safe method of lifting and transferring Sr. Geldard from a chair. From the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in 1885, known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1966, the rehabilitation of patients to insure they were able to live independently in their own homes was at the forefront of care given by their Trained nurses. As well as teaching and supervising the use of equipment, their Trained nurses taught them safe transfer techniques. These techniques were also taught to family members to enable them to care for their loved ones. RDNS at first held workshops given by a contracted private Physiotherapist before employing their own Physiotherapist in 1975 who taught staff the correct techniques, not only for safety of the patient, but to reduce physical strain on RDNS nursing staff and patient’s family members. When required the Physiotherapist accompanied the Sister on her visit to the patient in their home.Standing in the rear left of the black and white photograph is Ms Kosch, who has short curled dark hair and is wearing a check suit. She is looking down at Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). Sister (Sr) Daphne Geldard, who has collar length curled dark hair, and is seated in front of her on a padded kitchen type chair. To Sr. Geldard's right, standing, is Sr Elizabeth Francis who has short dark curled hair and is bending forward with her arms outstretched under Sr. Geldard's armpits. She has her right leg braced against Sr. Geldard's right knee Sr Bev. Armstrong, who has short blonde hair, is standing at the right rear observing the procedure. The three Sisters are wearing a grey skivvie under a darker V neck tunic style dress with the RDNS insignia on the upper left. A black below knee boot is seen on Sr. Geldard's right leg. A closed dark wooden door with a white surround is behind Ms Kosch and to its right another chair is seen against the wall. Photographers stamp , names of staff, date and location. Quote KY 35rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns uniform, rdns physiotherapy, sister elizabeth francis, sister daphne geldard, sister bev armstrong, ms kosch -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, Barry Sutton, 19.07.1972
This photograph is taken in the office at RDNS Heidelberg Centre, and the RDNS Educator, Sr. Gawith is showing RDNS Sisters the areas covered by Heidelberg Centre. Sr. Gawith is wearing the RDNS uniform of a grey frock and red cardigan and the other three Sisters are wearing the newer RDNS uniform of a blue/grey herringbone coat with a curved material RDNS insignia attached on the upper sleeve. From its inception as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), in 1885, their trained nurses worked in specific areas, 'districts'. Their first Trained nurse (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 (Sisters) 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. On the left of the black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister (Sr) Mary Gawith, who has short dark curled hair. She is standing side-on and looking to the right as, with her extended left arm she is pointing her finger to an area on a large map attached to the wall. She is holding some white sheets of paper in her right hand. To her right and looking towards her are Sr. Daphne Geldard, who has short curled hair, is smiling, and has her hands clasped in front of her. On the right next to her, and partly hidden, is Sr. Bev. Armstrong who is smiling and has short straight blonde hair. In the front right of the photograph and partly hiding Sr. Armstrong is Sr. Elizabeth Francis, who has short dark curled hair and has her hands clasped in front of her. Sr. Gawith is wearing a grey uniform dress and dark cardigan. The other Sisters are wearing grey uniform coats with the RDNS insignia on the upper sleeve. Sr. Geldard is wearing below the knee black boots.Barry Sutton photographer's stamp, quote number KY 40, names of staff in the photograph.rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns district map, rdns uniform, rdns education, sister daphne geldard, sister elizabeth francis, sister bev armstrong, sister mary gawith -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Digital image, Barry Sutton, c.1930
In 1930 the Society were pioneers in opening an Ante-Natal Clinic at the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) After-Care Home, 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. This image was taken in the Ante-Natal Clinic and shows some of the equipment used at that time and the uniforms worn by Trained nurses (Sisters) in the 1930s. Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded in 1885 and only nurses who had trained in a Hospital Training School and were fully qualified were employed by the Society. It commenced with one Trained nurse (Nurse), and another employed six months later; both walking amid the slums of inner Melbourne administering nursing care to the sick poor. The Society decided to commence a Midwifery Service and Nurse Fowler, who had previously worked for the Society, was re-employed as their first Trained Midwife. She began home births in August 1893 giving some Ante Natal care, taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. Following birth, she gave Post-natal care to the mother and babe twice a day for three days and then daily for a week, and longer if required. She resigned after twelve months and Nurse Wilkie was appointed to the position. As well as walking, the Nurses used Public transport in the limited areas it ran, though a taxi was used by the Nurses and Midwife in emergencies and at night. As the Society expanded it rented premises until it was able to purchase it's own Nurses Home at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood in 1914. 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. Land was procured next to No. 39, and the Society built the After-Care Home at 45 Victoria Parade, for these patients, and for patients from Hospitals. It was opened in July 1926 and the name of the Society then became ‘Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Home’ (‘Hospital’ from 1934) The Ante-Natal Clinic at the Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Home was opened on the 23rd of September 1930 and MDNS Midwifery patients were encouraged to attend. Prior to the opening of the clinic Ante-natal care was not considered important, but within a short time 100 percent of MDNS Midwifery patients were attending. 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. The Clinic gave advice on birth-control and was attended by their own patients at first, but then accepted patients from Melbourne public hospitals until their own clinics were opened.Digital image showing a Doctor and three Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Sisters attending a patient in the Ante-Natal Clinic at the After Care Hospital. In the forefront is a set of scales standing on the floor, behind which is the lady lying on a wooden framed bed with the base slightly raised at the top end supporting a white pillow and the lady's head. The lady has short dark hair and her frock can be seen to her waist; the rest of her body is covered by a white sheet and dark coloured blanket. Behind her and to the right of the image, are two Sisters wearing dark coloured long sleeved uniforms which have a belt and white collar; they are both wearing white veils over their short dart hair. To their left is a Doctor who has short dart wavy hair and is looking down at the lady. He is wearing a long white gown and has a stethoscope in his ears with the other end held in his right hand. To his left is another Sister who is wearing a white veil over her dark curled hair, and is wearing a long white gown. In the rear between the Doctor and Sister a hand basin can be seen. On the far left of the picture a trolley with two cloth covered shelves can be seen; a basin and squat bottle sits on the top shelf and kidney dish on the lower one. Behind this, part of a window can be seen.after- care hospital, 45 victoria parade collingwood, melbourne district nursing society (1885-1957), ante-natal clinic, after-care home, mdns midwifery, rdns, royal district nursing service -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Digital image, 1905
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 -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Digital image, c.1920
This digital image is taken at the home of a Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) patient, and depicts a MDNS Sister attending to a lady who is lying in a wicker bed pram in the rear garden of her home. The wicker bed pram enabled the lady to enjoy fresh air and to be moved about easily. The image shows the MDNS uniform of a grey cotton frock with white collar, and a grey brimmed hat with a red Maltese cross in the centre of the hatband. 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, known as 'Nurse' in those days, and a second employed six months later,. 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 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. This image shows a Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurse (Sister) wearing a grey uniform with white collar, and a grey brimmed hat, which has a hatband with Maltese cross applied, standing behind and attending an elderly lady patient laying in a wicker bed pram outside her home. The Sister has her right hand resting on the pram and is looking down at the lady, and the lady, who has short grey hair, is smiling and looking toward the camera. Her body is covered with a floral cover. To the left, part of the horizontal weatherboards of a wooden house can be seen, and to the right and rear, a brick, tiled hip roof, building can be seen. The wicker bed pram has four spoked wheels and a metal frame that bends up to form a handle on its right hand side.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns nurses, mdns patient care, mdns uniforms, rdns, royal district nursing service -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Document/Letter, 1900
A letter dated 8th May 1973 details how the letter from Florence Nightingale was forwarded to Mrs E.G. (Janet) Wilson in 1955 by Gwendolen, Florence Nightingale's niece. The explanatory letter was forwarded by Elsa Halenstein and given to Royal District Nursing Service and remains in its Archives. From 1948 Mrs. Wilson served on the Committee of Management of Melbourne District Nursing Society (later Service), serving as President from October 1964-1967. In 1949 Mrs. Hallenstein served on the MDNS Committee of Management, becoming President of the now Royal District Nursing Service from 1967-1974. Florence Nightingale was the founder of modern nursing. Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) only employed Trained nurses from its inception in 1885. They followed Florence Nightingale's basic rules of good hygiene, cleanliness, good nutrition and fresh air, which they learned during their Nursing Training at a Hospital, and taught to their patients by instruction and demonstration. In those days Trained nurses were called 'Nurse'. In 1892 MDNS employed Lucy Smith who, through the Nightingale Fund, did her nursing training at the Nightingale Training School at St. Thomas's Hospital in London. She was the first nurse from this school to work at MDNS. Florence Nightingale, born on the 12th of May 1820, was named after the place of her birth in Italy. Born into a wealthy family she was schooled at home where she excelled in her studies; spoke several languages fluently, and was taught home management. She believed she was ‘called’ to reduce human suffering and tended to ill members of her family and tenants on the family estate. She worked as a nurse at Salisbury Infirmary where she learned about nursing sanitation and hospital practice. Florence then enrolled at the Institution of Protestant Deaconesses at Kaiserswerth, Germany where she learned basic nursing skills, the importance of patient observation, and hospital organization. In 1853 she became Superintendent of the Institution for Sick Gentlewomen in Distressed Circumstances in London, where she reformed health care, working conditions, and hospital efficiency. The Crimean War broke out in late 1853 and a newspaper reported the injured and sick soldiers were being cared for by an “incompetent and ineffective medical establishment and that most basic supplies were not available for care”. After an outcry from the public, Florence was asked to lead a group of 38 nurses, whom she had trained, to Scutari where the wounded soldiers were sent. After arriving at the Barrack Hospital in October 1854, she found the soldiers were being cared for in overcrowded and filthy conditions; contaminated water, faeces on the floors and rats running freely. There were few supplies and equipment. Florence bought supplies and equipment and found help to assist in the laundry. The wards were scrubbed from floor to ceiling. Florence set a high standard of care with fresh air, hygiene, clean clothing, sufficient food and regular dressing of wounds being carried out. She realized the importance of psychological needs, and soldiers were assisted to write letters to relatives, and took part in education and recreational activities. Of a night Florence walked through the wards, carrying a lamp to light her way, to check on ill and wounded soldiers and became known as “The Lady with the Lamp”. She gained the respect of the soldiers and the establishment, and later, the public through the soldier’s letters and reports in the newspaper. After visiting Crimea she contracted ‘Crimean Fever’ from which she never really recovered. When she returned to London she was regarded a heroine. The public had given freely to buy her a gift but Florence preferred this money be used to establish a fund, which became known as the Nightingale Fund. Florence had kept excellent records on the running of the Barrack Hospital, medical and nursing staff efficiency, and the causes of illness and death. Many nurses from the training school became Matrons in many countries throughout the world. Florence pushed the Government for legislation to improve drainage and sanitation in homes and in the building of hospitals with fresh air a priority. She wrote the book ‘Notes on Nursing’ and many writings on health reform. She died, aged 90 years, in her home at 10 South Street, Park Lane on the 13th of August 1910. A handwritten letter, written in lead pencil, by Florence Nightingale. It is written to her niece Gwendolen.. The letter is on buff coloured paper and has the date 'Oct 17 1900'/ written in the top right hand corner; below this is, in capital letters, the two line black printed address - '10, South Street,/ Park Lane, W'/ is stamped. The bulk of the letter reads over eight lines: "Dearest Gwendolen",/ "Thanks for your / dear note,/ I shall gladly look / forward to seeing you, / on Friday at 5 ,/ ever your loving, / Aunt Florence./ . rdns, royal district nursing service, miss florence nightingale, mrs e.g. (janet) wilson, mrs d. (elsa) hallenstein -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, Barry Sutton, 20.07.1972
This RDNS Liaison Sister is reassuring a lady who is being discharged from Mount Royal Rehabilitation Hospital regarding the visits she will receive from RDNS Sisters in her home. The Liaison Sister had previously visited the lady in the Ward to ascertain the care she would require at home and this information had been passed to the appropriate RDNS Centre and to the Sister who would be visiting the lady in her home. The RDNS Sister is wearing her RDNS winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a blue/grey winter material herringbone V neck tunic style frock. She is wearing her blue/grey herringbone winter material hat.Liaison had occurred between doctors and the Trained nurses (Nurses) of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885. This increased when Midwifery was introduced in August 1893 with close liaising with the Women’s Hospital. As District nursing grew it was recognized that closer liaising between many Public Hospitals would be beneficial, for not only the MDNS, later called Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Trained nurses (Sisters), but also for the patients and the hospitals. In August 1964 a Liaison Officer commenced at the Alfred Hospital. This soon increased to Liaison Officers working full time at several Public Hospitals. At the time of a patient’s discharge, the Liaison Sister forwarded information on their diagnosis and instructions regarding the care required at home to the appropriate RDNS Centre, and in turn the attending District Sister wrote a report of progress and any queries to the hospital Doctor, via the Liaison Sister, at the time the patient was attending outpatients. Any new instructions were then sent back to the District Sister. Liaising also occurred between District field staff and Doctors when patients were referred by General Practitioners and did not attend a Hospital. Rehabilitation of patients to insure they were able to live independently in their own homes was at the forefront of care given by the RDNS Sisters.On the right of the black and white photograph is a Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister, who is wearing her uniform hat over her short curled hair, and a pale skivvie under a V neck tunic style grey dress. She is leaning forward with her left hand on the arm of a wheelchair, and is smiling at a lady, who has short curly hair; is wearing glasses and grey frock with a belt, and is sitting in wheelchair. She is holding the tops of walking sticks with both her hands; the foot of the sticks are resting on the ground. The footplates of the wheelchair are open and the lady has her feet on the ground. To her left stands a gentleman who has short dark hair and is wearing a buttoned up dark cardigan over a light coloured shirt, peaks showing, and light trousers. He is holding a 4 prong stick in his right hand and is looking at the lady. A Hospital Sister, who is wearing a dark cape over her white uniform and a white veil over her short dark curly hair is standing behind the wheelchair looking down at the lady. In the background, part of a brick wall can be seen on the left and to the right of this an open glass door and to its right is a closed glass door with writing on it.Barry Sutton Photographer's stamprdns, royal district nursing service, rdns uniform, rdns liaison, rdns rehabilitation -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Digital image, c.1922
The MDNS Trained nurses (Sisters) are about to board two motor vehicles outside their Nurses home, at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood, to be driven to give nursing care to their patients who lived a distance away. The lady Chauffeur is probably Miss Sword who was employed by MDNS in 1922-23; she was also in charge of the garage. This enabled the Sisters to do more visits in a day than when using Public transport all the time. This image also shows the style of cars driven in that era. The Sisters uniforms are grey and their hats have a red Maltese cross attached to the centre front of the hatband. 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 female Chauffeur, 'Miss Sword', was employed who lived in the Home and was also in charge of the garage. MDNS was expanding, and In 1929 Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) formed a volunteer Motor Auxiliary to transport their Trained Nurses (Sisters) to make visits more patients who lived a distance away. At first wealthy people offered their car and chauffeur, but then the general public supplied their own vehicles. They operated on week days when able and could take up to three Sisters at a time, collecting them from the Nurses Home, 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood, at 9 a.m; dropping each Sister at a patient then picking them up and taking them to the next patient before completing the morning round and returning to the Nurses Home at 1 p.m.. The Sisters were able to double the number of visits they did each morning and did their afternoon visits on public transport. At its peak there were 60 volunteers but this fell off during World War 11. In 1944 the Red Cross were assisting, and by 1953 were taking out 16 MDNS Sisters. Appeals for volunteers occurred over the years, particularly during the Tram and Tramway Bus strike in the 1950s, and when the Royal Women's Hospital had an influx of births and wanted to send the mothers and babies home on day four but could not do so if M.D.N.S. could not visit. During 1962 the Motor Auxiliary transported 34 Sisters who preferred not to drive themselves, but as the MDNS fleet of cars grew there was less need for their service and the Auxiliary was disbanded in 1971. 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. IA black and white digital image showing, in the left foreground, the frontal view of an early model, 1920s, soft hooded car parked on the road next to the gutter. Two front spoked wheels are seen, and headlights sit either side of the radiator at the front of the nose shaped bonnet.. '3758' is written in white on the black number plate below the radiator. The female Chauffeur is dressed in a dark coat and peaked hat and is standing by the partly open driver's door. The passenger door is open and a Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Sister is standing on the footpath behind the door. Another Sister stands behind her. There is another similar car parked behind the first one. It is partly obscured, its hood is down; it has spoked wheels and one of its headlights can be seen beside the partially obscured radiator. Part of the black number plate can be seen with two of its numbers, '69', written in white. A partly obscured Sister is standing by the driver's door and another behind the open passenger door. Another Sister is standing at the rear of this car..The five MDNS Sisters are wearing their uniform grey coats and felt brimmed grey hats with a Maltese cross applied to the centre hatband, Leafless trees and some buildings can be seen in the background.melbourne district nursing society, after-care home, rdns, royal district nursing service, mdns motor auxiliary, mdns uniforms, miss sword, female chauffeur -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white:, 1952
Sister J. Faust has dressed a wound on the ladies ankle and is applying a blue-line bandage. The photograph is taken in the lady's home. The MDNS uniform at that time was a grey frock, and stiffened brimmed grey felt hat with a light grey band and a red Maltese cross in the centre of the band. The Trained nurses (Nurses) of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, provided wound care to their patients, who ranged in age from the very young to the elderly. As research developed better products and dressing materials the methods and medication applied to wounds changed. MDNS received Royal patronage in 1966 and as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), the Education department developed programs, such as the Leg Ulcer Management Program, to provide their Trained nurses (Sisters) with methods of best quality care. The Sisters liaised with the patient’s Doctors and hospitals to provide information on the progress of patient’s wounds and to receive any change of wound care from the Doctors. RDNS introduced a Wound Care Specialist program and these Sisters did assessments and provided advice and support to the District Sisters working in the field. Black and white photograph of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) visiting Sister J. Faust, who is wearing a white gown and a grey brimmed hat over her dark curled hair. Part of her grey uniform frock is seen below the gown. She is applying a light coloured bandage to the right ankle of an elderly female patient. The lady, who has dark curled hair, and is wearing a grey frock, apron, and black cardigan is seen seated side on, on a wooden chair to the right of the Sister. She has her right leg extended and resting on a small low table, her left leg is bent to the floor.. The Sisters open case is seen on a small table to the rear of the lady and a walking stick is to the left against the door frame. A dark curtain hangs in the doorway. A large white wash bowl is seen in the lower left of the photograph. A glass jar with scissor blades into a liquid can be seen on a cabinet to the left of.Sister Faust. To the right of the photograph a partial white covered bed can be seen with a table over it with papers and a magnifying glass. Name of Sister on rear of photograph.wound care, melbourne district nursing society, royal district nursing service, rdns, mdns, sister j. faust -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photogtaph, Portrait, black and white, c.1980
This photograph is a visual record of Mr. Ken Mason who was appointed to the Committee of the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) In March 1975 and held the position of Honorary Treasurer from August 1975 until October 1979 when he was appointed President of the Board of Directors, a position he held until 1993. Women held the role as President of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) from its founding in 1885 for the next 94 years. Mrs. John Simson was President from 1885 until late 1888. For these first three years Mr. T. Harlin was Honorary Secretary of the Society and Mr. McKinnon the Honorary Treasurer; from then these roles were held by women. The other formal positions, and the vast majority of members of the Committee, were women, with up to four Reverend gentlemen being on the Committee each year over the next years. Throughout this time the Society expanded in the areas it serviced, commencing in inner Melbourne and expanding throughout the Melbourne suburbs. It began with their two Trained nurses (Nurses) living in their own home close to the area (district) in which they carried out their nursing care walking the streets of inner Melbourne. From 1891 the Society rented several premises for use as a Nurses Home and for administrative purposes and where the bicycles the MDNS purchased for use by their Nurses in 1903 could be housed. In 1914 the Society purchased their own premises at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood and in 1919 there first four cars were purchased. The Society underwent further expansion with the building of the After-Care Home (later Hospital) next to their Nurses Home in Victoria Parade which meant the running of two Divisions – the After-Care and the District Nursing Division. The one Committee ran the two Divisions until the time of the separation of the Society and After-Care in 1957. In late 1888 Lady Janet Clarke became President and held this role until her death in 1908, except for extended times when she was overseas when Lady O'Loughlen held the role. Mrs. Hood was President from 1909-1911, Mrs. F.A. Lang from 1912-1914, Mrs. F. Tatham from 1915-1923, Mrs. G.G. Henderson from 1924-1947, Mrs. F. E. Shillabeer from 1948-1949, Lady Lowe from 1950-1951 and Mrs. George Simpson from 1952-1957. When the Society and After-Care separated in 1957 the District Nursing Division became the Melbourne District Nursing Service with its own Committee. Mrs. J.P. Major, formerly Miss Beatrice Mary Williams who was a Sister with the Society, and became its Matron before marrying Dr. Major, became the first President in 1957 until her death in 1958 when Mrs. George Simpson became President. She held this role until 1964, then Mrs. E.G. Wilson held the role from October 1964 to mid 1967. During this time MDNS was granted Royal patronage and the name changed to Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) in 1966. Mrs. D. Hallenstein held the role of President from 1967 to 1974 and during this time RDNS was granted a Coat of Arms. Mrs. J.L. Frew M.B., B.S. was appointed President in October 1974 and held the position until October 1979 when Mr. K.W.G. Mason took over the role. During these years, the RDNS service continued to expanded with more Centres built throughout the Metropolitan area, more Trained Nurses employed and the RDNS now had an increased fleet of vehicles. Black and white head and shoulder photograph of Mr. Ken Mason who has thinning white hair and is wearing glasses. He is dressed in a grey self striped suit and is wearing a white shirt and a light grey tie which has black and white stripes.rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns president, melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mr k.w.g. mason -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Document, black and white, c.1957
In 1957 the 'Incorporation of the Melbourne District Nursing Service' was authorized on the 5th of March 1957. The Melbourne District Nursing Society was founded in February 1885 and in 1926 opened the After-Care Home. The name of the Society then became the Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Home until 1935 when the word 'Home' was replaced with the word 'Hospital'. In 1957 the two bodies separated and the the 'Incorporation of the Melbourne District Nursing Service' was authorized on the 5th of March 1957. This name continued to be used until 1966 when Royal patronage was granted and it became the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS).Black and white document - 'Incorporation of Melbourne District Nursing Service' . The document is bold black printing on a white background. The document commences 'Hospital and Charities Act 1948 (No. 5300); follows are the names of those present being the Governor of Victoria and two other men. The body of the document contains twenty-three lines and finishes with ‘A. Mahlstedt Clerk of the Executive Council’.melbourne district nursing society, melbourne district nursing service, royal district nursing service, rdns, after- care hospital, mdns incorporation -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Document, black and white, c.1957
In 1957 the 'Incorporation of the Melbourne District Nursing Service' (MDNS) was authorized on the 5th of March 1957. On the 22nd of October 1957 the 'Closure of the Melbourne District Nursing Society' was authorized. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded in February 1885 and in 1926 opened the After-Care Home. The name of the Society then became the Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Home until 1935 when the word 'Home' was replaced with the word 'Hospital'. In 1957 the two bodies separated and the 'Incorporation of the Melbourne District Nursing Service' (MDNS) was authorized on the 5th of March 1957. On the 22nd of October 1957 the 'Closure of the Melbourne District Nursing Society' was authorized. The name Melbourne District Nursing Service continued to be used until 1966 when Royal patronage was granted and it became the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS).Black and white document - 'Closure of the Melbourne District Nursing Society'. The document commences 'Hospital and Charities Act 1948 (No. 5300); then follows the names of those present being the Lieutenant Governor of Victoria and five other men. The body of the document contains twenty-three lines and finishes with 'A. Mahlstedt Clerk of the Executive Council'melbourne district nursing society, mdns, after-care home, after- care hospital, melbourne district nursing service, royal district nursing service, closure of mdn society, rdns -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Document, black and white, c.1957
The 'Cancellation of Registration of the Melbourne District Nursing Society and After Care Hospital' was approved by the Hospital and Charities Commission on the 1st of September 1958.The Melbourne District Nursing Society was founded in February 1885 and in 1926 opened the After-Care Home. The name of the Society then became the Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Home until 1935 when the word 'Home' was replaced with the word 'Hospital'. In 1957 the two bodies separated and the 'Incorporation of Melbourne District Nursing Service' occurred on the 5th of March 1957. The 'Cancellation of Registration of the Melbourne District Nursing Society and After Care Hospital' was approved by the Hospital and Charities Commission on the 1st of September 1958.Black and white Hospital and Charities document - 'Cancellation of Registration of the Melbourne District Nursing Society and After Care Hospital'. The document is bold black printing on a white background. It commences 'Hospital and Charities Act 1948 (No. 5300); follows are the names of those present being the Lieutenant Governor of Victoria and four other men. The body of the document contains thirteen lines and finishes with ‘A. Mahlstedt Clerk of the Executive Council’.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, after- care hospital, rdns, royal district nursing service, melbourne district nursing service -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Document, black and white, c.1957
The name Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Hospital came into being in 1935. In 1957 the two bodies separated and the Hospital and Charities Commission of Victoria received the document a 'Petition to Incorporate the After Care Hospital'The Melbourne District Nursing Society was founded in 1885 and in 1926 opened the After-Care Home. The Society then became the 'Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Home' until 1935 when the word 'Home' was replaced b the word 'Hospital'. In 1957 the two bodies separated and the Hospital and Charities Commission of Victoria received a 'Petition to Incorporate the After Care Hospital'Black and white document 'Petition to Incorporate the After Care Hospital' The document is bold black printing on a white background. It commences; 'Hospital and Charities Act 1948 (No. 5300), Section 46. The body of the document contains nineteen lines and finishes with ‘'E. P. Cameron, Minister of Health’.melbourne district nursing society, after- care hospital, rdns, royal district nursing service -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Document, black and white, c.1957
This document tells of the separation of Melbourne District Nursing Society and After Care Hospital.The Melbourne District Nursing Society was founded in February 1885. It built the After-Care Home in 1926, and the Society became the 'Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Home' until 1935 when the word 'Home' was replaced by the word 'Hospital'. In 1957 the two bodies separated, with one becoming the 'Melbourne District Nursing Service', and the other the 'After-Care Hospital'. This document from the Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria shows the 'Closure of the Melbourne District Nursing Society and After Care Hospital' which took affect with dissolution on the 1st of September 1958.Black and white document: 'Closure of the Melbourne District Nursing Society and After Care Hospital' The document is bold black printing on a white background. It commences 'Hospital and Charities Act 1948 (No. 5300); follows are the names of those present being the Lieutenant Governor of Victoria and four other men. The body of the document contains twenty-four lines and finishes with ‘A. Mahlstedt Clerk of the Executive Council’.melbourne district nursing society, after-care home, after- care hospital, melbourne district nursing service, mdns, rdns, royal district nursing service -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, Barry Sutton, 20.07.1972
The photograph is taken in the Physiotherapy Department at Mount Royal Hospital. RDNS Sr. Sue Revill is from RDNS Moorabbin Centre and Sr. Helen Watt is from Footscray Centre, They are attending an Education session on Rehabilitation at Mount Royal. Hospital. They are wearing the RDNS winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a V neck tunic style herringbone winter material dress with the RDNS insignia emblazoned on its upper left.Education was an integral part of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, later, in 1966, called Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS). From 1885, only Trained Nurses (Nurses) who trained through the Hospital training system were employed by the Society, and on visits to patients they taught the necessity of hygiene and cleanliness, as well as the need for a good diet, to bring about good health. Doctor’s lectures were later given at the MDNS home to instruct patients and their families on prevention of disease. Education to patients continued throughout the years regarding health care and the use of equipment in the home. In 1961, Education programs commenced at MDNS with their Trained nurses (Sisters) receiving In-service education. Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley was a leader in this In-service Education and established the MDNS, later called RDNS, Department of Community Nursing Education in 1962. Staff could also apply for scholarships to further their education outside of RDNS. Many of their senior Sisters received Postgraduate diplomas from the College of Nursing in Community Health Nursing, Education, and Administration, and several travelled overseas visiting nursing organizations viewing their public health and district nursing systems. Many programs were run at RDNS, including: a Post Basic Course, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nursing, Haematology/Oncology Nursing, Palliative Care program, Diabetic Stabilization Program, Leg Ulcer Management Program, Wound Care Specialist Program, HIV/AIDS Nursing Care, Cystic Fibrosis Home Support, Veterans Home Care Program, Breast Cancer Support Program, Continence Management Program, Stomal Therapy Program, In-Home Lactation Support Program and the Homeless Persons Program. RDNS staff attended several hospitals to observe and learn special care needed to some clients, e.g. to the Austin Hospital to learn the care required for paraplegic and quadriplegic clients at home, and to Mount Royal Hospital to observe the care of clients in the Rehabilitation ward. A Community Nursing Education Program was extended to Student nurses from Hospitals and to other nursing organizations. These Education programs kept the RDNS Sisters abreast of new techniques, such as changes in technology for e.g. new testing methods in detecting glucose levels in Diabetic patients. Sr. Nan Deakin did a Post Basic Course in Psychiatric Nursing and included this area in her education lectures. Sr. Daphne Geldard specialized in the area of Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. These Sisters visited patients in District areas with the regular RDNS Sister when required. Every member of staff, both professional and non professional staff, received regular education in the Education Department. In 1980, a Home Health Aide pilot study, funded by the Federal Government, the Brotherhood of St. Laurence and RDNS, with the program written and taught by Sr. Rowley, was evaluated as successful, and Home Health Aides were employed and worked in RDNS Centres under the supervision of the RDNS Registered Nurses. Black and white photograph depicting, on the left, a side-on view of a Hospital Physiotherapist with her long hair drawn back in a pony tail, and wearing a grey V neck dress over a white blouse and a dark cardigan who is facing right. She has her left hand on the arm of a standing lady and her right hand on the lady's hand which is on a walking rail. To the right rear of the Physiotherapist is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister Sue Revill who has shoulder length dark hair and is looking at the lady. To her right the elderly lady who is wearing glasses; has wavy white hair and is wearing a light grey frock, is standing in front of a wheelchair with her right hand on the walking rail. Her left arm hangs loosely by her side. To her right is a walking rail and standing to its right is Sr. Helen Watt who is looking towards the lady. She has short dark wavy hair, and has her right arm around the back of the lady and her left hand is on the walking rail. In the background of the photograph, the lower section of several 4 prong walking stick are seen hanging on the wall. Barry Sutton photographer's stamp. Quote KY 78rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns uniform, rdns education, sister sue revill, sister helen watt -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, Barry Sutton, 25.07.1972
RDNS Liaison Officer, Sr. Barbara Watson is attending a meeting with members of Dr Kay's Coronary Care staff at the Alfred Hospital. Sr. Watson is wearing her RDNS winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a V neck tunic style herringbone winter material dress.Liaison had occurred between doctors and the Trained nurses (Nurses) of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885. This increased when Midwifery was introduced in August 1893 with close liaising with the Women’s Hospital. As District nursing grew it was recognized that closer liaising between many Public Hospitals would be beneficial, for not only the MDNS, later called Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Trained nurses (Sisters), but also for the patients and the hospitals. In August 1964 a Liaison Officer commenced at the Alfred Hospital. This soon increased to Liaison Officers working full time at several Public Hospitals.They facilitated the smooth transition from hospital to home for many patients who required ongoing nursing care. Liaison Sisters regularly attended discharge planning meetings, interviewed prospective patients, coordinated discharge and booked the first visit by the visiting RDNS Sister. At the time of a patient’s discharge, the Liaison Sister forwarded information on their diagnosis and instructions regarding the care required at home to the appropriate RDNS Centre, and in turn the attending District Sister wrote a report of progress and any queries to the hospital Doctor, via the Liaison Sister, at the time the patient attended outpatients. Any new instructions were then sent back to the District Sister. Liaising also occurred between District Sisters and Doctors when patients were referred by General Practitioners and did not attend a Hospital.On the left of the black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Liaison Sister Barbara Watson who has shoulder length blonde hair which is curled at the ends; she has her hands clasped in her lap. She is wearing her uniform light grey skivvie under a V neck tunic style dress and is seated on a chair, the first in a semi circle alongside five lady hospital staff members and Doctor Kay. To the right of Sr. Watson sits a lady who has shoulder length curled hair and is wearing a white hospital coat over her clothes, with part of her dark skirt seen.. Next is a lady with long dark curled hair who is wearing a white uniform dress under a dark cardigan. To her right is a lady with long dark straight hair who is wearing a white uniform dress and a dark cardigan; she has a pen in her right hand which is poised on a piece of white paper resting of her right knee. To her right is a Sister, wearing light rimmed glasses, and wearing a white uniform dress and a white cap over her short dark straight hair. A hospital badge is attached at the top neck of her dress. She has her hands clasped on her lap and is looking to her right at the Doctor. Next is a lady with short straight dark hair who is wearing a white hospital coat over a grey dress. On the far right is Dr. Kay, who has short dark hair and is wearing a white hospital coat over a grey shirt, dark tie and dark trousers.He is looking to his right. In the left background is a long table and to the right some papers can be seen attached to boards on a wall.Barry Sutton's photographer's stamprdns, royal district nursing service, rdns uniform, rdns liaison, dr. kay,, sister barbara watson -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, 09.1944
The group are photographed outside the Melbourne District Nursing Society After Care Hospital at 45 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. This photograph was taken three years after Miss Dorothy Tupper was appointed, in 1941, Matron of the District Nursing Division of 'Melbourne District Nursing Society and After Care Hospital'. She held this position until she retired at the end of 1962. In February 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, the first Society of its kind in Australia, 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 only employed qualified nurses (Nurses) trained under the Hospital training system and 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 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. As the Society expanded bicycles and public transport were used to reach outer districts; before an appeal, during the influenza epidemic, provided four T Model Ford vehicles so the Nurses could visit more patients. Constant change of drivers and lack of time for maintenance caused cars to be disbanded. In addition to bicycles and public transport, a Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 and the public drove the District Trained nurses, 'Sisters', to visit patients in outer districts until District had its own fleet of vehicles. The After-Care and District division separated with the District Division moving premises and becoming Melbourne District Nursing Service, then in 1966 with royal patronage, Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). Expansion followed with RDNS Centres built throughout the Melbourne suburbs and outer regions. 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. Sitting from left to right in the front row of this black and white Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), photograph is a District nurse (Sister), next is Matron Tupper, (District Nursing Division) next, the Matron of the After-Care Hospital Section of the Society, and two District nurses, one wearing her uniform brimmed hat. Seven Sisters stand behind them, the centre two in white uniform dresses, one with short blonde hair, the other dark. The two Matrons are wearing white veils. The rest of the District nurses are wearing grey long sleeved uniform dresses, and have short dark curled hair. They are in front of a concrete veranda with the brick building behind. To the left of the Sisters a hydrangea bush can be seenGreen Number 948Fmelbourne district nursing society, m.d.n.s., nurses, mdns matron, mdns uniforms, after- care hospital, rdns, royal district nursing service, dorothy tupper