Articles in annual report include: List of RVIB president, vice president, board of management, medical staff and officers of the institute, honorary officers and consultant medical staff, President's report, The children - independence and achievement, Our Christmas party, Multi handicapped blind children, Training and understanding at Burwood centre, Financial independence through employment, Training confidence and achievement, Expansion of welfare services, Other services, Carols by candlelight, Auxiliaries and other generous helpers, Public education, Finance, Services and facilities, When you make or amend your will. Events that occurred in 1974 : Two permanent welfare officers in the country at Wangaratta and Sale, Re-equipment programme for the library and enlarging the range of books and magazines available to readers, Burwood centre for multi handicapped blind children separate to school - accommodation for twenty-four, Training department started instruction in use of hand tools - two clients gained employment in wood assembly. 1 volume of text and black and white photographsroyal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Articles in annual report include: List of RVIB president, vice president, board of management, medical staff and officers of the institute, honorary officers and consultant medical staff, The president's report, Nursery and school, Employment - the means of independence, Training and rehabilitation centre the rebirth of confidence and skills, Multi handicapped children, Our senior blind citizens the aged are not forgotten, Finance, Our auxiliaries and other helpers, Welfare -an increasing need, Melbourne traditional carols by candlelight, Services and facilities, When you make or amend your will. Events that occurred in 1969 : Alexander Mair died, he was a member of the board of management since 1952, RVIB faced a deficit, to date they did not have to restrict the scope of any of the services available to blind people and it was hoped with increasing support from all sections of the community that they would not have to do so, after 31 continuous years radio station 3KZ decided to discontinue its association with the Melbourne traditional Christmas festival carols by candlelight but in doing so offered the RVIB the rights to continue. It was the first time RVIB hosted and they offered thanks to television channel 0 and radio station 3AW.1 volume of printed text with photographsroyal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Obituary of Gerard Crock, an ophthalmologist who pioneered micro-surgery in his field, was the first professor appointed medical specialty chair in Australia, establish the ophthalmology department at Melbourne University and helped develop the Ear and Eye Hospital and the Low Vision Resource Centre at Kooyong.Photocopied newspaper article taken from The Age, Monday January 14, 2008non-fictionelizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell, association for the blind, gerard crock

The photograph is taken outside the new Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Caulfield Centre. RDNS Sisters left in RDNS Torana vehicles from this Centre each morning to give nursing care to patients in surrounding suburbs and returned to the Centre after their visits. Gradually over the years, Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS), later known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1966 when they received Royal patronage, opened Centres throughout the Melbourne Metropolitan area and outer suburbs. In 1972 The Melbourne Centre which was conducted from RDNS Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Road, was relocated to Caulfield and it became the Caulfield Centre. Their Trained nurses (Sisters) left from these Centres each morning to carry out their nursing visits in a specific area (district), taking any sterilized equipment needed with them. They returned at the end of the day to write up their patients nursing histories, clean and reset any equipment used ready for re-sterilization, and contact other medical and community personal as necessary. Most of the RDNS cars were housed at each Centre, only a few being driven home by a Sister. This is a black and white photograph of two RDNS two door grey Torana cars parked on the road outside a flat roof, one storey, light coloured brick building. The building is in three sections with the centre section set back. Part of the back of a white car can be seen in the driveway to the left of the set back section. Three large white framed windows can be seen along the end view of the left hand section and even larger windows are seen in the centre section. A small water tank and piping sit on a platform on the roof of both the left and right hand sections of the building. White fascia with dark trim above it edges the roof on each sections of the building. Some pencil shape type shrubs and a bare tree is seen in front of the building and a low light coloured brick fence runs across the property and down either side of the drive, with the footpath and nature strip in front of this. The back of a white car is seen on the road in the far right of the photograph and part of a wooden fence and parts of two large trees with leaves can be seen.Barry Sutton Photographer's Stamp. Quote KY 5rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns transport, rdns centre

This portrait photograph of Dame Mary Herring is a visual record of her taken during the time she was offering advice to Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Home (later Hospital)' as a member of their Committee from 1931. She was a Vice-president from 1943-1957 and acted as President in 1953. As a Medical practitioner she was involved with the formation of the MDNS After-Care Ante-Natal clinic in 1930 and the establishment of the Women's Welfare Clinic at the MDNS After-Care in 1934. Dame Mary Herring was born in Carlton on the 31st of March 1895. She graduated as a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MB. BS) at the University of Melbourne in March 1921. During her training she went out with the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), where she visited many in poor circumstances and through this decided she wanted to improve the lives of women and children. She married Edmund Herring on the 6th of April 1922 and he supported her to continue her Medical career. She established an Ante-Natal Clinic at the Prahran Health Centre in 1926 and assisted MDNS After-Care Home in the establishment of its Ante-Natal clinic in September 1930. In 1931, as Dr. Mary Herring she became a member of the Committee of the now named ‘Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Home’ (later Hospital), and as Lady Herring became a Vice-president from 1943 until 1957 and acted as President in 1953. In 1934, along with Dr. George Simpson and Dr. Victor Wallace, she established the Women’s Welfare Clinic at the MDNS After-Care Hospital for patients of the Society; the first of its kind in Melbourne. After its opening in October 1934 she was the Hon Secretary of the Welfare Clinic, which operated from a room in the Ante-Natal Clinic of the After-Care. Dr. Herring pioneered family planning services. The clinic ran until 1940 when women could now obtain this advice from other establishments. In 1953, as Acting President, Lady Herring was involved with the discussions of the District Division of MDNS relocating to ‘Airlie’, 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne and the separation of Melbourne District Nursing Society and After Care Hospital, with the District Division now a separate entity, known as Melbourne District Nursing Service with its Headquarters at 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. In 1966 with Royal patronage, this became the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). Though asked to be President of the Hospital division of the MDNS Society, she declined due to her many activities. In 1940 Dr. Mary Herring was a founder of the A.I.F Women’s Association and served on the Women’s Welfare Subcommittee to assist the families of soldiers and now as Lady Herring, she became President from 1943-1946. She was a a founding member and first president of the Victorian Council of Social Service 1946, chairman of the Vera Scantlebury Brown Memorial Trust 1946-1979, Deputy-president of Victorian division of the Australian Red Cross 1944-1963, and of the Victoria League 1945-1972 and the Australian council of the Save the Children Fund from 1962-1967. Lady Herring was a tireless worker for many charities particularly charities for children. On the 10th of July 1953 she was made Commander of the Order of St. John in recognition of her charity work and on the 11th of June 1960 was made Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for “services to nursing in Victoria” In 1949 the Argus Newspaper (https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/22776603) described her as “one of the finest examples of Australian women in our State, with a record of selfless devotion to the service of others. Calm, kindly, clear-minded, and intensely logical”,..... “she has taken all this in her stride without once stopping out of her aura of cool, unruffled efficiency, an efficiency which is tempered by her warmth and understanding, her approachability, and her human sympathy.” Dame Mary Ranken Herring died in Camberwell on the 26th of October 1981. This black and white photograph is a portrait view of Dame Mary Herring. She has curled light coloured hair. Only a portion of her scooped neck dark coloured frock which falls in soft folds can be seen. There is a light colour brooch attached on the left hand side of her frock near the shoulder. She is wearing a string of pearls around her neck. A curtain can be seen in the background of the photograph.Stuart Tompkin Studiomelbourne district nursing society, ante-natal clinic, women's welfare clinic, rdns, royal district nursing service, dame mary herring

This photograph is a record of the Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) Moorabbin Centre, situated at 611 South Road, Moorabbin. It was opened in mid 1965 and was the fourth Centre MDNS had opened. Following Royal patronage in 1966, it became known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Moorabbin Centre.Gradually over the years, Melbourne District Nursing Service, MDNS, later known as Royal District Nursing Service, RDNS, from 1966 when they received Royal patronage, opened Centres throughout the Melbourne Metropolitan area. Their Trained nurses (Sisters) left from these Centres each morning to carry out their nursing visits in a specific area, taking any sterilized equipment needed with them. They returned at the end of the day to write up their patients nursing histories, clean and reset any equipment used ready for sterilization, and to contact other medical personal as necessary. Most of the RDNS cars were housed at each Centre, only a few being driven home by a Sister.Black and white photograph of RDNS Moorabbin Centre. The building is a single story brick building with a flat roof. A row of short glass windows are seen above the brick work to the left of the large glass doors which are on the right of the building. A low standing horizontal fence is seen along the front and along either side of the path leading up to the door. Some bushes are seen in the right hand side garden of the building. A footpath can be seen in front of the fence. On the left of the photograph can be seen a white house with a pitched roof. A dark sky with fluffy white 'cumulus' clouds are seen above the buildings.Photographers stamp. Quote No. DX 18mdns, melbourne district nursing service, mdns centres, royal district nursing service, rdns

This photograph is of RDNS staff taken outside the RDNS Essendon Centre on the day of its opening on the 30th of August 1967. The RDNS Sisters are wearing their uniforms of a red cardigans over their grey cotton frocks. The opening of the RDNS Essendon Centre enabled Sisters to leave from this building to give nursing care in the community. They returned to this building at the completion of their shift.Gradually over the years, Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS, later known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1966 when they received Royal patronage, opened Centres throughout the Melbourne Metropolitan area. Their Trained nurses left from these Centres each morning to carry out their nursing visits in a specific areas (districts) taking any sterilized equipment needed with them. They returned at the end of the day to write up their patients nursing histories, clean and reset any equipment used ready for sterilization, and contact other medical personal as necessary. Most of the RDNS cars were housed at each Centre, only a few being driven home by a Sister.Black and white photograph of sixteen Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS) staff standing in two rows outside the Essendon Centre. The Sisters are wearing uniform dark cardigans over their grey uniforms; an RDNS badge can be seen attached on the upper left hand side front of some of the cardigans. They are wearing their grey peaked uniform hats, which have a round metal silver badge with the capital letter 'RDNS' written in blue across the centre section, attached to the centre front. They are standing in front of a building, which has a flat roof with a dark fascia and below this a large windows down to a short area of brickwork. Part of a light coloured building can be seen in the background on the left hand side of the photograph.Photographers stamp. Quote No. GJ 55rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns centre, rdns uniform

The dignitaries in this photograph are at the opening ceremony of the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Essendon Centre on the 30th of August 1967Gradually over the years, Melbourne District Nursing Service, MDNS, later known as Royal District Nursing Service, RDNS, from 1966 when they received Royal patronage, opened Centres throughout the Melbourne Metropolitan area. Their Trained nurses (Sisters) left from these Centres each morning to carry out their nursing visits in a specific area, (district), taking any sterilized equipment needed with them. They returned at the end of the day to write up their patients nursing histories, clean and reset any equipment used ready for sterilization, and contact other medical personal as necessary. Most of the RDNS cars were housed at each Centre, only a few being driven home by a Sister.Black and white photograph of dignitaries participating in a ceremony. Hanging across the front of the rostrum is a large sign with the round RDNS logo emblazoned in white across the central dark strip, and white sections above and below the strip can be seen. A dark boarder is around the circumference of the logo, with the words 'Royal District Nursing Service' seen. Behind the rostrum a gentleman, who has short dark hair; is wearing a white shirt, dark tie and a dark suit, stands at the microphone. To his rear left sits two ladies, one wearing white, the other grey, and a gentleman in a dark suit. To his right rear sit two gentlemen in dark suits and another can partially be seen. The dignitaries are in a marque which shows a striped background and grey top behind them. There are flowers on either side of the rostrum.Photographers stamp and 'Quote No. GJ 70'rdns, royal district nursing service, essendon centre

This photograph records Mr. Ian Muir, President of the Essendon Rotary Club unveiling the plaque at the opening of the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Essendon Centre on the 30th of August 1967. Mrs. E.G. Wilson is President of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). Mrs. Wilson was a Committee member, then Vice-president, of Melbourne District Nursing Service, later called Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1959 until 1964 and President 1965-1967 Gradually over the years, Melbourne District Nursing Service, MDNS, later known as Royal District Nursing Service, RDNS, from 1966 when they received Royal patronage, opened Centres throughout the Melbourne Metropolitan area. Their Trained nurses (Sisters) left from these Centres each morning to carry out their nursing visits in a specific area, taking any sterilized equipment needed with them. They returned at the end of the day to write up their patients nursing histories, clean and reset any equipment used ready for sterilization, and contact other medical personal as necessary. Most of the RDNS cars were housed at each Centre, only a few being driven home by a Sister.Black and white photograph showing Mr.Ian Muir unveiling a plaque. Mr. Muir, on the right hand side of the photograph, has dark short hair and is wearing a dark suit. His is standing side-on facing to the left of the photograph. His right hand is holding the cord of the right hand side Australian flag which was partly covering the plaque. A gentleman, with short grey hair and wearing a dark suit, is on the far left hand side of the photograph. Between him and another Australian flag, on the left hand side of the plaque, stands Mrs. E.G, Wilson, who is wearing glasses and is dressed in a dark suit and a dark hat. The dark plaque is attached to a light coloured section of wall and in the background are the windows above the light coloured far wall of the room.Photographers Stamp. 'Quote No. GJ 73royal district nursing service, rdns, essendon centre, mrs e.g. (hazel janet) wilson, mr ian muir, rdns centre

This photograph is taken in the work room in a Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Centre. The Sisters are writing up patient histories after giving nursing care to them in their homes during the day.Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), had Centres throughout the Melbourne Metropolitan area. Their staff arrived at the Centre each morning to collect their work load and any messages, and then drove to their particular area (district) to give care to their patients. At the completion of the day they returned to their Centre where they wrote up the care they had given to each patient in the appropriate history folder. They also filled out forms to be sent to the RDNS Liaison Sister at the appropriate hospital when a patient was going to outpatients so the doctor would have a progress report. The Sisters also contacted other Medical and Community personal as necessary from the Centre. The RDNS cars were also kept at each centre, where they were collected each morning and returned after the Sister's community visits. Coloured photograph of a group of eleven Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sisters doing their book work in an RDNS Centre. Two of the Sisters are wearing the summer RDNS uniform of a royal blue V necked tunic style dress over a white blouse and a dark blue cardigan. The others are wearing the RDNS winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a blue/grey herringbone winter material V necked tunic style frock. Some Sisters are partly hidden. They are sitting at tables which have open patient history books and papers on them.In the rear are papers attached to walls and on the left a Venetian blind is covering a window.royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns uniform, rdns centre

The photograph is taken in Frankston Centre where Sister Helen Pelosi is the Supervisor. The RDNS summer uniform at that time, worn by most of the Sisters in the photograph, was a royal blue V neck tunic style frock with the RDNS insignia in the upper left, over a short sleeve white blouse. The Sister seated at the desk with a pen in her hand, is wearing the RDNS winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a blue/grey herring bone winter material tunic style frock with the RDNS insignia on the upper left. The other seated Sister is wearing an RDNS blue cardigan over her uniformGradually over the years, Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS), later known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1966 when they received Royal patronage, opened Centres throughout the Melbourne Metropolitan area. Their Trained nurses (Sisters) left from these Centres each morning to carry out their nursing visits in a specific area (district), taking any sterilized equipment needed with them. They returned at the end of the day to write up their patients nursing histories, clean and reset any equipment used ready for sterilization, and contact other medical and community personal as necessary. Most of the RDNS cars were housed at each Centre, only a few being driven home by a Sister.Black and white photograph of a group of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS),staff. At the left rear, is a Sister with short curly hair; her right hand is resting on the table, then a Sister with collar length straight hair and to her right is Sr. Helen Pelosi, who has short dark curled hair. Two Sisters are seated in front of them at a table; the Sister on the left, has curly hair and is wearing a long sleeve skivvie under a V neck tunic style frock which has an insignia on its upper left. She has an open book in front of her and has a pen in her right hand poised on the white page of the book. The seated Sister to her right is wearing a uniform cardigan and has her hands clasped resting on the table. Four of the Sisters are wearing V neck tunic style frocks with an insignia on upper left, over short sleeve white blouses. Part of a picture is seen on the wall at the left rear and a doorway with a wall behind to its right.royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns uniform, rdns centre, sister helen pelosi

This photograph is taken outside the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Rosebud Centre which was opened in the mid 1970s. This photograph is a record of Rosebud RDNS staff in the 1980s. The Sisters are wearing their summer uniforms, some with white frocks with a blue pattern and a red belt, others with a white blouse with a red pattern on it and a royal blue skirt. The Health Aides uniform is a royal blue dress with white piping.Gradually over the years, Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS), later known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), from 1966 when they received Royal patronage, opened Centres throughout the Melbourne Metropolitan area. Their Trained nurses (Sisters) left from these Centres each morning to carry out their nursing visits in a specific area,(district) taking any sterilized equipment needed with them. They returned at the end of the day to write up their patients nursing histories, clean and reset any equipment used ready for sterilization, and contact other medical and community personal as necessary. Most of the RDNS cars were housed at each Centre, only a few being driven home by a Sister. 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 RDNS Principal Nurse Educator. Pat (Paddy) Rowley was evaluated as successful. Following this Pilot study, Home Health Aides were employed by RDNS, and after instruction in the RDNS Education department, joined RDNS Centres and worked under the supervision of the RDNS Sisters. The Sister assessed each client, then introduced and supervised the Health Aide in the client procedure required. The Sister wrote out clear, concise procedural instructions on a work card which the Health Aid followed each visit. If the Health Aide noticed any change in the client’s condition, this was reported immediately and the Sister visited. The Sister made routine visits to the client for review at least monthly. Black and white photograph showing Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), staff outside a brick building with a flat roof. A white RDNS car is on the right hand side of the photograph with "RDNS" in capital letters on the door. A tree is in the background. The twenty-five, some partly hidden, RDNS staff are wearing their uniforms. Some are wearing white patterned short sleeve dresses with a dark belt, and others white patterned short sleeve blouses and dark skirts. The letters "RDNS" are displayed in capital letter on the left hand upper pocket of the Sisters. Two Health-aides are present and are wearing dark coloured frocks with white piping. mdns, melbourne district nursing service, rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns centres

The Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Altona Centre was situated at Blackshaws Road, Altona. This photograph is a pictorial record of the staff at Altona Centre in the 1990s.Gradually over the years, Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS), later known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1966 when they received Royal patronage, opened Centres throughout the Melbourne Metropolitan area and outer suburbs with Heidelberg Centre opening in 1971. Their Trained nurses (Sisters) left from these Centres each morning to carry out their nursing visits in a specific area (district), taking any sterilized equipment needed with them. They returned at the end of the day to write up their patients nursing histories, clean and reset any equipment used ready for sterilization, and contact other medical and community personal as necessary. The Trained nurses (Nurses) of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), visited patients in their home and gave best practice care in many fields of nursing, and to people of many cultures, throughout its 130 years of expansion. Initial visits not only assessed the specific nursing situation but the situation as a whole. Their patients ranged in age from babes, children, adults to the elderly and referrals were taken from Hospitals, General Practitioners and allied Health facilities. Some of the care their Trained nurses (Sisters) provided is as follows: – Post-Natal care given to mother and babe, Wound Care following various types of surgery, accidents, burns, cancer, leg ulcers etc. Supervising and teaching Diabetic Care, including teaching and supervising people with Diabetes to administer their own Insulin, and administering Insulin to those unable to give their own injections. Administering other injections and setting up weekly medication boxes. The Sisters performed Catheterizations on adults suffering from conditions such as Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Guillan-Barre Syndrome, and when required at school on children for e.g. those with Spina Bifida. The Sisters visited those requiring Cystic Fibrosis support and care; those requiring Haemo-Oncology care, including visiting children at school; those requiring Home Enteral Feeding care, and those requiring IV therapy at home and home Dialysis. Palliative Care was given including pain relief with the use of syringe drivers, personal care as needed, and advice and support to both patient and family. The Sisters provided Stoma management to those needing Urostomy, Ileostomy and Colostomy care and those requiring Continence care. HIV/AIDS nursing care was provided; visits to Homeless Persons were made. Personal care was given to patients ranging in age and with varying mobility problems, such as those with MS, MND, Guillan-Barre Syndrome, Poliomyelitis, Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Acquired Brain Injury, to those following a Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke), those with severe Arthritis and those with a form of Dementia. When necessary the elderly were assisted with personal care and advice given on safety factors with the use of hand rails, bath or shower seats, and hand showers. Rehabilitation with an aim towards independence remained at the forefront of the Sister’s minds and when possible using aids and instruction on safe techniques enabled the person to become fully independent. All care included giving advice and support to the patient and their Carers. The Sisters liaised with the persons Doctor, Hospital and allied Health personal when necessary.The coloured photograph shows 29 female staff of the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Altona Centre. The rear and centre rows of staff are standing and the front row of staff are kneeling. They are outside a grey brick building with a flat roof. A white sign is on the right hand upper corner of the building and has the words, written in blue capital letters, "Royal District Nursing Service Altona Centre". Part of a window can be seen beneath this. Part of two other windows can be seen in the centre and to the left of the building. Most Sisters are wearing RDNS uniforms, some with a short sleeve white with a blue pattern dress and a red belt. Others with a white with pattern blouse and dark blue skirt, and some have a red sleeveless jumper over their uniform, and some are wearing a dark blue cardigan or long sleeve dark blue jumper. Three staff are wearing day wear, one with a purple blouse and black skirt, another with a white blouse and pale blue skirt and the third wearing a white blouse, brown cardigan and bone slacks.. royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns centre, rdns uniform

This photograph is taken in Footscray Centre and Sister Ellen Anderson is the Supervisor of this Centre. Mrs. Hogan is the Clerical Officer working at Footscray and discusses any phone calls received with Sister Anderson.Gradually over the years, Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS), later known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), from 1966 when they received Royal patronage, opened Centres throughout the Melbourne Metropolitan area. Their trained nurses (Sisters) left from these Centres each morning to carry out their nursing visits in a specific area, taking any sterilized equipment needed with them. They returned at the end of the day to write up their patients nursing histories, clean and reset any equipment used ready for sterilization, and contact other medical and community personal as necessary. Most of the RDNS cars were housed at each Centre, only a few being driven home by a Sister. Clerical staff worked in each Centre.Black and white photograph of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister Anderson and Mrs. Hogan in the office at Footscray Centre. Mrs. Hogan, on the left hand side of the photograph, is wearing glasses; has short dark hair and is wearing a dark coloured dress. She is holding a sheet of white paper in her right hand and is holding a telephone to her ear with her left hand. She is turned sideways on the chair at a desk and is facing Sister Anderson on her right. Sister Anderson has short dark curly hair and is wearing her RDNS grey long sleeve uniform dress with a pen in her left upper pocket. She is sitting at a desk; which has a large blotter and an open page calendar on it, and is holding an open folder. She is looking at Mrs. Hogan. Part of a typewriter on Mrs Hogan's desk, can be seen in the left foreground. A small telephone switchboard with telephone books on it, can be seen in the left background. Above this is a rectangular dark coloured board with hooks and some keys on it is attached to the rear wall. To the right of this is a large black rectangular board with the heading "Royal District Nursing Service Footscray Centre". This is marked off in sections and shows "The Daily Visits". Part of some windows can be seen above this.Photographer stamp. Quote No. 11 Aroyal district nursing service, rdns, rdns centre, mrs hogan, sister ellen anderson

Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sisters worked from this, their rented Collingwood Centre at 98 Charles Street, Collingwood, which opened in 1977. The Sisters left each morning taking any sterilized equipment needed with them to carry out their nursing visits in a specific area (district), They returned at the end of the day to write up their patients nursing histories, clean and reset any equipment used ready for re-sterilization, and contact other medical and community personal as necessary. From its inception as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), in 1885, their Trained nurses (Nurses) worked in specific areas, 'districts'. The first Nurse worked east and west, between Victoria Parade and Flinders Street and, north and south, between Spencer Street and Spring Street. When a second Nurse was employed they divided this area at Elizabeth Street so each Nurse could attend to patients in the same area giving continuity of care. Gradually over the years, Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS), later known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1966 when they received Royal patronage, opened Centres throughout the Melbourne Metropolitan area and outer suburbs with Heidelberg Centre opening in 1971. Their Trained nurses (Sisters) left from these Centres each morning to carry out their nursing visits in a specific area (district), taking any sterilized equipment needed with them. They returned at the end of the day to write up their patients nursing histories, clean and reset any equipment used ready for sterilization, and contact other medical and community personal as necessary. Through its expansion quality of care was not lost, the RDNS nursing staff gave best practice care in many fields of nursing and to people of many cultures with their patients ranging in age from babes, children, adults to the elderly. Some of the care provided was – Post-Natal care, Diabetic Care, Wound Care, Giving of injections and medications, Catheterizations on children and adults, Stoma care, Dementia care, Palliative Care, General care, Rehabilitation, Spinal care, Cystic Fibrosis care, Haemo-Oncology care, Home Enteral Feeding care, and IV therapy at home. Assisting with rehabilitation with an aim towards independence remained at the forefront of the Sister’s minds. All care included giving advice and support to the patient and their Carers. Black and white photograph showing the front facade of the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Collingwood Centre. It is a Victorian style, single story, light coloured painted concrete faced building built around the 1870s. To its left is the front wooden door with a small central glass section in the upper center, and a wire door in front of this. To its right is an Electricity Department meter attached to the wall, and under this a large "98" and to its right, and a little lower is an attached rectangular white sign, with black capital letters, saying "Royal District Nursing Service" and below this in smaller letters "Collingwood". To the right sits a long sash window with dark frame. At either end of the building white concrete face extensions, with embellishments, support a corrugated iron straight veranda roof, with wrought iron embellishment attached to its outer edge. This sits above the window and door and runs along the building protecting the small porch. Above this, along the building, is deep decoration, including a row of concrete balusters and above and central is a concave shell shaped structure. A short dark metal spiked fence runs along the edge of the narrow garden bed. In the foreground the footpath and part of a road can be seen. A small bare tree can be seen on the left hand side of the building and a small bush on the right hand side.Photographer stamp. Quote No. DO 66royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns centre

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