The District nurses are leaving from their Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Nurses Home, which was situated at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. Their MDNS uniform dresses and coats depicted are grey, and a red Maltese cross is attached to the centre of the headband on their grey brimmed hats. The Sisters will visit MDNS patients and provide nursing care to them in their homes.From its founding in 1885 until 1891 the Trained nurses (Nurses) 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 for e.g. to 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 equipment and 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 and an Auction of furniture was held before their next move giving an idea of some of the contents: - Carpets, linoleum, walnut and oak sideboards, dining tables, walnut dining suite, Vienna chairs, walnut bedroom suite, cedar wardrobes, chests of drawers, duchess chests, bedsteads and bedding and general furnishings were for sale. 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, at 45 Victoria Parade; the District nurses continued to live at No. 39. In November 1953 the District Nursing Division moved into their new Headquarters and Nurses Home at 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. In 1957 the two divisions legally separated and the District division became the Melbourne District Nursing Service. As District expanded, and now with outlying districts to service, and with a fleet of District cars, their trained nurses (Sisters) lived in their own homes and visited their closest District Centre each morning to collect their work for the day, and returned at the end of their shift to do their administrative work. A small black and white photograph showing a side on view of Matron Lydia Shaw who is smiling. She is standing outside the Nurses Home of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), and is wearing a white long sleeved belted uniform dress, white stockings, shoes, and a veil over her short dark hair.. She is standing to the left, outside the front gate of the building watching a group of district nurses about to leave the Home. The group are on a path behind the four trained nurses (Sisters) most visible who are dressed in grey belted long sleeved coats which have lapels. They are wearing grey brimmed hats with a Maltese cross in the centre, flesh coloured stockings and black shoes. The first two Sisters are side by side and have just stepped onto the pavement; the one to the right is smiling and slightly turned toward Matron Shaw. Under their coats, both these Sisters are wearing grey scarves around their necks. There is a square concrete column behind Matron Shaw, and another to the right of the nurses. From the right column three metal vertical fence bars are seen with shrubs behind them. Part of a building and doorway can be seen behind the nurses. A brick wall and path is seen on the far left of the photograph.The date 1934 as well as the name of Matron Shaw, Sister Jones and Sister Tupper were hand written on the back of the photographnurses, matron, uniform, melbourne district nursing society, mdns, nurses home, rdns, royal district nursing service, matron lydia shaw, sister dorothy tupper, sister jones

The Matron and Sisters in this photograph worked in the Melbourne District Nursing Society After Care Home, (later called Hospital) full time and administered nursing care to patients who ranged in age from babes to adults. The Society also had a District Nursing division and these Sisters only worked in the community giving nursing care to patients in their homes.The Melbourne District Nursing Society were pioneers in recognizing the need for premises where patients too ill to be in their own home, but not ill enough to go to hospital, was needed, and the Society built, then opened, the After-Care Home in 1926, (from 1934 called After-Care Hospital), for these patients, and patients from Hospitals. Many children were nursed there, some long term during the Polio epidemic and the Society employed two School Teachers. The Society now ran two divisions, the After-Care with its own Sisters and nurses, and the District division. The Society were the first in Melbourne, in early 1928, to recognize some patients leaving the After-Care, and many at home, needed further social care and they set up ‘Almoners’ from their committee to visit these patients and be intermediaries in getting them social assistance. It was late the following year before the first training of Almoners took place in Melbourne. In 1930 the Society employed a full time kindergarten teacher to visit poor children in their homes. That year the Society were pioneers in opening an Ante-Natal Clinic at the After-Care, setting a high standard with equipment, keeping records, and providing leaflets with instructions in how to keep healthy during pregnancy, what complications to look for and what to do when labour commenced. In 1934 the Society were pioneers again when they opened the first Women’s Welfare Clinic in Melbourne giving advice on birth-control, at first attended by their own patients, but then accepting patients from public hospitals until their own clinics were opened. A trained Almoner was employed by the Society in 1934, doing a great deal of work with Midwifery patients, but she resigned after twelve months due to the amount of work. Due to a lack of trained Almoners, the Society employed a Social Service Officer at the After-Care who successfully gained better housing from the Housing Commission for families living under unsuitable conditions.A black and white photograph of Matron and twelve Trained nurses (Sisters) standing at the front entrance of the Melbourne District Nursing Society After Care Home, In the front of the portico is the Matron and four Sisters. Matron is dressed in a white long uniform dress and white veil over her short dark hair, and is wearing white stockings and white shores. To her right are four Sisters. Behind them are five Sisters, one standing between the left pair of round columns of the portico and the others to her right finishing just before the second set of columns. Two Sisters are to the left of the left hand column in front of the brick wall of the building. A short brick wall runs from the column to the building and hides the lower half of these Sisters. All the Sisters are dressed with white long aprons with white belts, which are covering their uniforms, only their dark grey sleeves and white collars can be seen. They are wearing white veils covering most of their short dark hair, grey stockings and black shoes. At the top of the portico can be seen the words 'District Nursing Society'. Part of the two story brick building can be seen behind the group; two long windows are visible on the upper and lower sections. To the right of the building some shrubs and a tree can be seen.nurses, after care hospital, uniforms, after-care home, melbourne district nursing society, mdns, rdns, royal district nursing service

The photograph is taken in the RDNS Education Department at 448 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. Mrs. Gerardi and Mr. J. Psaros are Telephone interpreters. Sr. E. Comb is learning, by role play, how best to communicate with people who have limited understanding of English. The other Sisters are observing the role play. One Sister is wearing the RDNS winter uniform of a dark blue cardigan over a light blue/grey skivvie and V neck tunic style frock made of blue/grey herringbone winter material. Sr. Perillo is wearing the RDNS summer uniform of a short sleeve white blouse under a royal blue V neck tunic style frock. The RDNS logo is seen on the upper left of the frock. The other uniforms are a royal blue dress with white piping around collars.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. The RDNS Trained nurses (Sisters) visited patients from many different cultural backgrounds, and Education was given to their Sisters to assist them when speaking with the patients and giving them care. 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 the 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.In the left foreground of this black and white photograph is a side-on view of Mrs. G, Gerardi, who is wearing glasses; has dark curly hair, and is wearing a black and grey vertically striped dress. She is sitting on a chair in front of a group of RDNS Sisters sitting at small rectangular tables which are butted together. Slightly to her left rear sits Mr. J. Psaros, who has short thick dark hair; is wearing a black leather type jacket, black trousers, white shirt and dark tie. He is looking at Mrs. Gerardi. To his left sits Sister (Sr.) E. Comb, who has short dark hair and is wearing a uniform dark cardigan over a dark dress with white piping on the collar. She is facing the group and looking at Mrs. Gerardi. In the centre of the photograph is the first of the seven RDNS Sisters at tables, five in the front, and two partly hidden in the row behind; they are also looking at Mrs. Gerardi. This Sister has curly dark hair and is wearing day clothes of dark slacks and a dark top, with white circle logo, over a white blouse the peaks of which are seen. The Sister. to her right has short straight dark hair and is wearing a dark cardigan over a light grey skivvie and V neck tunic style frock. The name on a card in front of her is indistinguishable, but 'Footscray' is seen. The next, Sr. Arrisa Perillo, has short curly dark hair and is wearing a short sleeve white blouse under a dark V neck tunic style dress. Her name and the word 'Footscray' is on a card in front of her. The next Sr. has short blonde curly hair and is wearing a dark cardigan over a dark dress with white piping around the peaks of the collar. The next the Sister is partly hidden. Her name is written on a card in front of her, this is indistinguishable except for the word 'Caulfield'. A large dark handbag with light colour motif on it, sits on the light colour carpet under the front section of Sr. Perillo's table. In the background are five windows with open Venetian blinds. Barry Sutton. Quote LJ60rdns education, royal district nursing service, rdns, telephone interpreters, mrs g. gerardi, mr j. psaros, sister e. comb, sister perillo

This photograph shows Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister (Sr.) Moira Coates doing Liaison work at St. Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne. Miss C. Healy is St. Vincent's Home Care Supervisor and she and Sr. Coates are discussing plans with Miss E. Monks for the future care she requires following her discharge from hospital. Sr. Coates is wearing the RDNS uniform of a royal blue dress with white piping around the peaks of the collar. An RDNS logo is on its upper left. She is wearing a darker blue jacket.Liaison had occurred between Doctors and the 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, co-ordinated 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 was attending 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.In the left foreground of this black and white photograph is Miss C. Healy who has collar length dark hair and is wearing a hospital uniform dark cardigan over a white blouse and dark skirt. She is sitting on a kitchen style chair and has an open folder; a pen in her right hand is poised over a white sheet of paper. She is smiling and looking to her left at Miss E. Monks who is resting in a bed in front of her. Standing to her right, and at the head of the bed, is RDNS Sister Moira Coates who has short dark hair. and is wearing a dark jacket over a dark colour dress with white piping on the collar peaks. Her identity card is clipped on the right hand pocket. She is smiling at Miss Monks and has her left hand on an RDNS leaflet which Miss Monks is holding. To her right is Miss Monk who has short dark hair and wearing a light coloured nightdress. She sitting up supported against pillows on a hospital bed which has the top section raised. She is looking at the RDNS folded leaflet; two photographs and writing can be seen on the front cover. White bedclothes cover most of Miss Monks body. Drawn curtains are seen in the left rear of the photograph and some switches and a name card are seen behind the bed. Barry Sutton. LJ93 and namesrdns, royal district nursing service, rdns liaison, rdns uniform, sister moira coates, miss c. healy, miss e. monks

This photograph is taken in a Hospital ward and shows a meeting between a patient, an RDNS Liaison Sister; and the Hospital staff, L-R, a Doctor, a Physiotherapist, a Social Worker and an Occupational Therapist. The group are discussing with the patient the ongoing care she will require when shes goes home. The Sister. has an RDNS information leaflet open in her hands which will be given to the lady. From those present, the Sister is ready to write, on the clipboard, any information required to be passed to the RDNS District Sister to carry out the nursing care needed when the lady goes home. The Sister is wearing the RDNS winter uniform of a light blue.grey skivvie under a darker blue/grey V neck tunic style dress made from herringbone winter material.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 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 was attending 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 this black and white photograph is a Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister who is seated and has her curly dark hair head, turned to her left looking at a lady who is resting in a hospital bed. The Sister, who is wearing a light grey skivvie under a darker V neck tunic style dress, is holding an open folded page with typed writing seen, in her hands; a pen is sitting between the fingers of her right hand and a clipboard is on the bed. The elderly lady, to her right, is sitting propped up against white pillows on her hospital bed and is looking, and smiling, at the Sister. She is wearing glasses; has curly grey hair; and is wearing a light coloured nightdress. The light coloured bedclothes cover most of her body. On the right of the bed, and from its head down, L-R is:a man who is standing; he has short dark hair and is wearing a leather type jacket over a dark skivvie and plaid trousers. Next, sitting, is a lady who has short slightly waved dark hair; she is wearing a grey round neck sleeveless frock over a light coloured long sleeve blouse. Next, seated, is a male who has short dark hair and a short dark beard.He is wearing a dark grey suit jacket over a light grey shirt and patterned tie. Next, on the far right, standing, is a lady who has curly dark hair and is wearing a hospital white coat over a light coloured skivvie. A Hydronic heater is attached to the lower part of the wall behind the bed and a monkey bar is attached to the centre of the bed. Some flowers are also seen behind the bed and a drawn curtain is behind the staff on the right hand side of the photograph.Barry Sutton LO12royal district nursing service, rdns uniform, rdns liaison

Sister Watt is an RDNS Liaison Sister and has arrived at the Community Care Centre at Southern Memorial Hospital where she works. She attends discharge meetings and visits patients who will need nursing care from RDNS when they go home. Sr. Watt is wearing the RDNS winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a blue/grey V neck tunic style dress made of herringbone winter material. The RDNS logo on the car is a royal blue edged circle with the words "Royal District Nursing Service" written in white capital letters around it. The centre of the circle is divided in three with the upper and lower sections white, and the centre section royal blue with white capital letters "RDNS".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, co-ordinated 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 was attending 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 this black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister (Sr.) Helen Watt, who has short dark wavy hair; is smiling and is looking towards the camera. She is standing with her left hand on the bottom edge of a large white sign with a black border and capital letters. It reads, in four lines, "Community Care Centre/, Southern Memorial Hospital/, 240 Kooyong Road/, Caulfield/." Sr. Watt is wearing a light grey skivvie and a darker grey V neck tunic style frock. Her right hand is holding the solid horseshoe style handle on top of a black leather bag with the light colored letters "RDNS" in the upper centre. The sign is held up with white round poles either side. These are placed in a garden bed with low foliage and a rock border. Directly behind Sr. Watt is a grey Torana car with the RDNS logo on the upper section of the door. In the left background, behind the car, is a wooden fence and behind that a brick building with a tiled roof and a large window. In the right background, behind the sign, Is part of a brick building with part of a doorway. It has a flat roof.Barry Sutton LO 28royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns liaison, rdns uniform, sister helen watt

This photograph shows an RDNS Sister doing Liaison work at a Hospital. She will pass the information given about the babe to the RDNS Domiciliary Infant and Maternal Care (DIMC) Sister who will be visiting the baby and her family in their home. Sr. Schofield is wearing the RDNS winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a V neck tunic style frock made of herringbone winter material.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, co-ordinated 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 was attending 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. In August 1893 Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), commenced a Midwifery Service with Nurse Fowler, who was trained in General nursing and Midwifery nursing, being the first Midwife employed. Mothers were assessed for suitability of a home birth or if they required delivery at the Women’s Hospital. The Midwife worked in conjunction with the Doctors at the Women’s Hospital and if a complication arose before or after birth the patient was transferred to their care. Following birth, the Midwife gave Post-Natal care to both the mother and babe commencing with visits twice a day. In 1898 the service ceased due to lack of funds but recommenced in 1906, and in the August 1925 Annual Report the number of MDNS home births was recorded at 478. MDNS built the After-Care Home and a pioneering Anti-Natal Clinic was opened in 1930. The last Ante-Natal clinic was held there in December 1951 and the MDNS Midwifery service ceased in February 1952. In 1964 MDNS commenced a Post-Natal service with General and Midwifery trained MDNS Sisters working from a room on the ground floor in the Footscray Hospital Nurses quarters, and visiting early discharged Footscray Hospital maternity cases at home. Later, as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), this service was extended and renamed as Domiciliary Infant and Maternal Care, (DIMC) service operating from most Centres and visiting early discharged, often 24 hours after birth, maternity cases from hospitals to give Post-natal care to the mother and babe. Many of the RDNS Sisters who worked in DIMC also had their triple Infant Welfare Certificate, though double certificate Midwifery trained Sisters also visited. On the left of this black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister Margaret Schofield, who has her long dark hair drawn back, and is smiling as she looks down at a baby being held in the arms of a Hospital Sister. Sr. Schofield is wearing a light grey skivvie under a V neck dark tunic style frock. She has a pen in the V of her tunic, and has a watch hanging under the RDNS logo on its left hand side. Her left hand is resting on a white table which has baby scales with a wicker basket on it. To the right, is the Hospital Sister, who is side-on and facing Sr. Schofield. She is wearing dark rimmed glasses; has her long dark hair drawn back and is wearing a dark cardigan over her white uniform. She has her right arm under the baby with her hand on babe's right leg; her left hand is holding the baby's feet. The baby has sparse dark hair and is wearing a white patterned jacket. Part of a dark filing cabinet is on the right of the photograph and behind the Sisters is a large window, then grass, small shrubs and part of a corrugated clad building can be seen beyond.Barry Sutton LP 43royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns dimc, rdns uniform, sister margaret schofield

Sister Snyders is based at RDNS Essendon Centre. She is a trained midwife working in the RDNS Domiciliary Infant and Maternal Care (DIMC), section and is attending a recently born baby in her home to give Post-Natal care. Often mothers and babes came home early from hospital, many after 24 hours of birth, and RDNS Sisters attended for several days to check babies progress, including - colour, feeding regime, weight, take a PKU test and give any advise needed to the mother. They also gave Post-Natal care to the mother. In August 1893 Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), commenced a Midwifery Service with Nurse Fowler, who was trained in General nursing and Midwifery nursing, being the first Midwife employed. Mothers were assessed for suitability of a home birth or if they required delivery at the Women’s Hospital. The Midwife worked in conjunction with the Doctors at the Women’s Hospital and if a complication arose before or after birth the patient was transferred to their care. Following birth, the Midwife gave Post-Natal care to both the mother and babe commencing with visits twice a day. In 1898 the service ceased due to lack of funds but recommenced in 1906, and in the August 1925 Annual Report the number of MDNS home births was recorded at 478. MDNS built the After-Care Home and a pioneering Anti-Natal Clinic was opened in 1930. The last Ante-Natal clinic was held there in December 1951 and the MDNS Midwifery service ceased in February 1952. MDNS established Melbourne's first Family Planning Clinic in 1934. In 1964 MDNS commenced a Post-Natal service with General and Midwifery trained MDNS Sisters working from a room on the ground floor at the Footscray Hospital Nurses quarters, and visiting early discharged Footscray Hospital maternity cases at home. Later, as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), this service was extended and renamed as Domiciliary Infant and Maternal Care, (DIMC) service operating from most Centres and visiting early discharged, often 24 hours after birth, maternity cases from hospitals to give Post-natal care to the mother and babe. Many of the RDNS Sisters who carried out DIMC visits also had their Triple i.e. Infant and Child Welfare Certificate, though Midwifery trained nurses also made visits. This black and white photograph shows a close up view of Sister (Sr.) Mary-Ann Snyders from Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), who is standing and cradling a recently born baby in the crook of her left arm; her supporting arm extends along the babe and her right arm is under babe. Sr. Snyders has short dark hair and is wearing a white gown over her uniform. She is smiling down at the babe, who has dark hair and is wearing a check bib over a white nightdress. To the left, voile curtains are seen over a window and in the background, part of an open patterned curtain is seen.Barry Sutton LW 4royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns dimc, sister mary-ann snyders

This a belt which fastens to a Women’s nurses dress of the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corp.The garment was a sealed sample 26 feb 1962. It is unknown when the dress was replaced. It is a representative example of this type of uniform in the period.The dress is in excellent condition.Light green cotton belt with 3 sewn holes ( for fastener) 30mm apart,a gap of 50mm with 3 more holes at one end of belt.At other end a sewn opening of 30mm with another similar opening 70mm from first.women’s, raanc, short sleeve, uniform, dress, royal australian army nursing corp

The plaque is a clear indication of the respect and gratitude of members of Australian Armed Forces of the RAAMC who served with devotion during the Vietnam war.The RAAMC teams saved many lives and mended many soldiers often working under difficult circumstances and with limited available timeframe to perform their duties.Polished timber plaque with smaller shoulder flashes and badges of Royal Australian Army Medical Corp across the top of the plaque and then with larger shoulder epaulettes and uniform sew-on badge across the middle of the plaque.In Regognition Of All The Doctors And Nurses That Served In Vietnam. They Fought To Save And cared For The Wounded.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, medical, mackay vietnam veterans qld

Apron manufactured for military purposes. This item has significance as an example of uniform likely worn ny nurses and/or other medical staff, associated with Australian military campaigns. White fabric apron. One piece comprised of fabric square, white cotton bib, convex shaped side flaps, and square shaped lower apron with rounded corners. Fabric edges are folded over and hemmed with white thread in straight stitch, 5mm distance from edge of apron. Underside is overlocked with white thread. Top of bib is attached to a white fabric neck loop near bib corners by machine sewn white thread, with a criss-cross shape enclosed in a square; stitching is visible on front of apron. Apron has a white fabric tie on each side, attached in similar fashion to neck loop. Bib features red fabric red cross, stitched onto bib using zig zag stitch in red thread, edges of cross are raw fabric. Both ties and neck loop are hemmed with straight stitch and overlocked in white thread. military, war, apron, uniform, medical, hospital, women, female, outfit, nurse, fashion, textiles

1. Dress - white colour polyester cotton fabric ward dress. Collar, long sleeves with attached collar and plastic buttons. Front opening with concealed button closure. Buttons - white plastic with metal shank and split pin. Shoulder straps with attached red colour fabric epaulettes, with button hole. Button - silver colour plastic with metal shank and clasp. Epaulette badge, silver metal letters RAANC, two silver metal letters RAANC, two silver and red colour metal rank insignia - Lieutenant. Manufacturers label - white colour cotton, front lining. 2. Cape - red colour wool fabric cape style elbow length. Shoulder epaulettes with silver colour plastic embossed buttons, Queens Crown, Map of Australia with shank. Three silver and red colour metal rank insignia - Captain - per epaulette. Bar badge - plastic and metal - silver colour, oval shaped surmounted by Queen's crown, oval embossed with "ROYAL ASUTRALIAN NURSING CORPS" . Centre of oval Nightingale oil lamp. Across bottom scroll embossed with motto "PRO HUMANITATE".Manufacturer's information - black print. 1. A.G.C.F./ VICTORIA/ 1976/ ^/ SIZE OS/ 8410.66.038.1474/ ARMY NO/ NAME" 2. Back of cape "C.G.C.F./ VICTORIA/ 1971/ ^/ SIZE - OS/ 8410.66.013.0771/ ARMY NO/ NAME" Front lining "S4S/ M.603493/DKT./ 35768/ F/NO/ 1842/ SIZE/ OS/ CAPE NURSES. WINT. SCARLET/ ARMY/ 125 29". uniform, royal australian army nursing corps

front cover has a coloured photo of a dummy dressed in the uniform of a third year Alfred Hospital student nurse, with various nursing paraphernalia. Title and author's name also on front cover and spine. Synopsis of book and author information on back cover. Black and white illustrations within non-fictionA lighthearted look at nursing in general, and patients in particular, when nurses were hospital trainednurse-australia-biography, nurse-great britain-biography

used by all Alfred Nurses (and other employees who had hospital supplied uniforms)Significant to all Alfred Nurse (and other staff who had hospital supplied uniforms) as they were required to use the dockets 2 Laundry docket books. Triplicate pages.. each white, pink and yellow. Cardboard back, Green paper cover, staplesCover blank, inside the pages are marked Alfred Hospital personal linen. Name, date and box number. Items of uniform listed ahnl, alfred hospital, royal melbourne hospital central linen service, laundry cases, nurses unform, hospital uniforms

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989. The book "The First of its Kind" was published in 2015. Printed in Bendigo by "Bendigo Modern Press". Four typed pages of memories of attending NDSN School PTS 1, compiled by Dot Strauch (nee Grenfell). The report covers: Pre-school days, After acceptance in 1950, The Beginning, Lister House, Tutors and Tutorials, The Students 39 inaugural student nurses and In Conclusion. Plus sixteen B&W photographs of students in uniform and during recreation. all documents were regarding the compilation of the ndsnga inc. book "the first of its kind"

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989. The book "The First of its Kind" was published in 2015. Printed in Bendigo by "Bendigo Modern Press". Memories compiled by Peter Rosewall; who attended the last NDSN school PTS 108 between 1986 - 89.Three-page outline of the life of a student nurse in 1979, School 94. The pages include information about where she came from - Swan Hill and how classes were organized. There is a section about travelling to and from Bendigo, the uniform, rules and regulations and learning to be a nurse, studying and what it was like to be a country person in the new situation.Three pages of typed informationnursing, at lister house., student nurses, ndsn

Northern District School of Nursing nurse's capeA red unlined cape with collar. Hook and eye at collar front. There are bands applied to outside shoulder of the cape on both sides and constructed with a centre back seam. The cape was worn outside the hospital when walking from accommodation. The accompanying documents are a photo of the original owner and donator of the cape, Vicki Simpkins, and a photo of the graduation group of nurses, 1972, in which Vicki is indicated.There is a white cotton label at rear inside centre collar with 'PURE WOOL' printed in blue and 'W' printed in red. A blue arrow has been added to the graduation photo above Vicki Simpkins' head. The photo of Vicki has the inscription in black pen 'To Mum and Dad with all my love Vicki xx June 1970". At base right of photo is photographer's name 'martin washington'. nurses uniform, northern district school of nursing, cape

all nurses at the Alfred Hospital were required to use these boxes to send uniforms to laundry, also all hospital staff who had uniforms supplied. (from previous catalogue): All nursing staff wore hospital supplied uniforms for much of the twentieth century. The Royal Melbourne Hospital ran the 'Central Linen Service' for during this time - doing all the laundry for all the public hospitals in Melbourne. Staff uniforms were laundered separately, everyone had their own numbered laundry case. Staff also had a small printed docket book with duplicate copies (complete with a piece of carbon paper) and the number of uniform items were detailed when the case was sent off to the laundry. Cases had to be in the 'laundry room' at a set time each week, clean laundry returned at the same time each week and it usually took 10-15 minutes to find your case in the very full laundry room the day it came back.Significant to the AHNL as all nurses were required to have one (from previous catalogue): The laundry box system shows what a complex and detailed system was required to keep staff clean and tidy.Brown heavy cardboard reinforced case and lid with locks on either end, plastic corner protectors, metal split pins, metal reinforced edges Both ends box identification number. A cross (X) formed by blue and yellow plastic tape and a navy blue round stickerThe Royal Melbourne Hospital Central Linen Service and Group Laundry (printed on white circular sticker) hand written number E171. Also old catalogue number. (from old catalogue)Sticker stating Royal Melbourne Hospital Central Linen Service and on outside number of box E 171 (E was the identifier of the Alfred) for identification purposes.ahnl, alfred hospital, nurses, uniforms, laundry cases, rmh central linen service and group laundry, hospital uniforms

The Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps (RAANC) provides health care and medical assistance to Australian Army personnel in military health facilities. The Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps embraces the values of compassion and service to others, reflecting the care and dedication provided to the wounded and sick. The Australian Army employs registered general nurses as nursing officers in Army hospitals and medical centres. These officers form the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps. The collar badge would have been worn on the collar of official uniform. This badge is in good condition and provides context and interests in nurse uniform. However, it is hard to guarantee that this is an original badge or a replica. Photograph of Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps collar badge. Oval shaped badge surmounted by St Edward's crown. Around the edge of the oval is embossed 'Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps'. In the centre of the oval is a Nightingale oil lamp on a dull cherry coloured felt background. Across the bottom is a scroll embossed with the Latin motto 'Pro Humanitate', translating to 'for humanity'. The metallic nature of the badge leaves it cool to the touch, with rounded edges and a round collar attachment peg, unlike the sharp attachment pegs like typical badges and pins. 'Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps'/ 'Pro Humanitate'[Latin translating to English as 'for humanity']. raanc, uniform, badge, royal australian army nursing corps

Illustrated book with dust jacket. Book has a yellow cover with title and author's name printed in white on front and spine. Dust jacket has a pale-yellow background, title and author's name printed in brown on front and spine. The front of the dustjacket also has a black and white photograph of the author (Alice Bowman) (seated) and Joyce McGahan (standing) they are wearing Sisters uniforms; a building of the Namanalu Hospital, Rabaul is behind them (1939). On the back cover is another black and white photograph: Rabaul panorama, and a summary of the book in brown print. non-fictionA true story of a civilian nurse from the Government Hospital in Rabaul, who was held prisoner in New Britain (six months) and Japan (3 years) following the Japanese attack of Rabaul in 1942world war 1939-1945, prisoners of war-papua new guinea, prisoners of war-japan

Illustrated book with dustjacket. Book has plain white cover. Dust jacket has grey background, on front cover are two black and white photographs of groups of nurses, coloured print of the Sydney Hospital's coat of arms, title (red, gold and black print) and author's name (gold print). Title and author's name are printed in gold on spine, along with coloured print of Sydney Hospital's coat of arms. On the back cover are black and white photos of the nine Lady Superintendent/Matrons/Directors of Nursing, and a coloured photo of the graduate nurses' badgenon-fictionThis book documents the history of nursing at the Sydney Hospital, includes information about the training and status of nurses and how these factors have influenced their uniforms. Also listed are all nurses who graduated from the Sydney Hospiitalsydney hospital-history, nurses-nsw-history, nursing-nsw-history, hospitals-nsw-history

Event photography, first Australian Army Nurses to arrive in New Britain.Unframed, printed black and white photograph on photo paper of 8 women in uniform standing in a row, from left to right Sisters Jean Gracey, Marjorie Smith, Kathleen Barnes, Gertrude Muller, Mary Wilson, Marie O'Laughlan, Dorothea Harrison and Gwen Dwyer. "DEPT. OF INFORMATION" [Stamped in purple in on back] "Jacquinot Bay Area, New Britain... 253. The first Australian Army Nurses to arrive in New Britain. Leading from left to right: Sisters Jean Gracey (Nutgrove, Q'sland) Marjorie Smith (Roseville, Sydney) Kathleen Barnes (Nedlands, W.A.) Gertrude Muller (Harrisville, Q'sland) Mary Wilson (Caulfield, Vic.) Marie O'Laughlan (Wangaratta, Vic.) Dorothea Harrison (Beaudesert, Q'sland) and Gwen Dwyer (Kew, Vic.). AUSTRALIAN OFFICIAL PHOTO. PASSED BY PUBLICITY CENSORSHIP 8/3/45. " [Typed in blue/purple ink on paper which has been stuck on the back of the photo]pacific war, jean gracey, marjorie smith, kathleen barnes, gertrude muller, mary wilson, marie o'laughlan, dorothea harrison, gwen dwyer

Double article about seven former Australian nurses return to Bangka Island, Indonesia for the dedication of a memorial to their comrades from aboard the SS Vyner Brooke that was bombed and sunk.A double sided page from a colour newspaper featuring three headlines, two colour photographs of people and two columns of text. The photograph relating to this record has a group of mostly older women sitting and standing on sand with three men in military uniform.[asterix drawn in black ink at top of page in the middle]wwii, world war 2, world war two, wwll, australian army nursing service, aans, bangka island, ss vyner brooke, nurses memorial, jean ashton, carrie jean ashton, florence elizabeth trotter, florence elizabeth syer, janet patteson gunther, pat darling, janet patteson darling, ellen mavis hannah, mavis allgrove, ellen mavis allgrove, vivian bullwinkel, vivian statham, wilma elizabeth forster oram, wilma elizabeth forster young, joyce tweddell

Illustrated book with dust jacket. Book has a marron cover with title, author and publisher's name embossed in gold on the spine. Front and spine of dust jacket has a black and white photograph: sick sisters on Lemnos. Title and authors name in blak and red print on front and spinenon-fictionThis book investigates the contradictions, paradoxes and anomalies which have arisen for those assigned the role of army nurse. Financial discrimination saw the female captain in charge of an operating theatre in Vietnam being paid less than a male corporal working with her. Guns have replaced brooches as part of the nurses' uniform, as "total war" increasingly makes a mockery of the distinction between combatants and non-combatants.military nursing-australia, australian army nursing service, nurses, nursing

Article from 'Army : the soldiers' newspaper' relating to a soldier's chapel in Wagga Wagga NSW. Dedication ceremony was attended by past Army nurses, many of whom served in WWII.Photocopy of an article [magazine] with two photos embedded. Two columns of text. Large photo at top of article of a group of happy women standing in front of a Soldier's Chapel. Smaller photograph of a man in uniform speaking at a podium with a man in religious garb behind him.soldier's chapel, nurses, army nurses, kapooka soldier's chapel, kapooka, wagga wagga nsw, wilma young [oram]

Trainee uniform 3rd year.Long sleeves worn until 1920s till 1947.Worn by Marjorie R.Hood.Grad 1927. (27.01) Catalogue work sheet missing.Thought to be one of the only examples of trainee nurses uniform of the 1920s era in the ahnl archive collection.Reasonable condition. .Full length dress.Length from rt shoulder to hemline 125cms.From armpit to armpit of bodice 55cms.Full Length sleeves 66cms. Navy white cotton material in miniature houndstooth pattern.Small pocket LHS bodice.3 white fabric covered buttons on front of bodice.Press stud on neckline.X2 hook& eyes at waistband.x2 press studs off centre on skirt opening.Full length sleeves with 3cms cuff.Gathered at yoke,waist and sleeves.Slit pocket on RHS skirt. Re Apron 27-02.White apron made from Finleys sheeting.Yellow stain& repaired tear on skirt of apron.3 buttons on back to attach crossover straps. Re Collar: unstained white.Good condition.Square edge. Re cuffs x 2: Lt cuff has multiple rust stains.Rt cuff unstained.Rectangle yellowed cufflink studs. Re Belt.Yellow discolouration.Good condition. Re 3rd year ArmBand.yellow discolouration.Solid Red coloured Maltese cross in felted wool attached. Oil marks front of skirt section.Evidence of fraying on RHS skirt.Discolouration stain 12cms x9cms approx on skirt over pocket RHS.third year trainee ufor

Hat worn by Faith Hollow in Second World War. VFX58370World War 2 Nurses Army Felt HatRetailer Ball & Welch, Melbourne. Name attached to inside hat band hand written Faith Hollow Catalogue Number 275-28

Illustrated magazine. The front cover has a copy of a painting by Hilda Rix-Nicholas: Australian soldier of the Great War. The man is wearing a metal helmet and combat uniform. Title and list of contents are printed are printed in gold and red brown on front cover also non-fictionThe Australian experience of war: the magazine contains other war related articles, the ones referring to nursing experiences are Florence Nightingale, Fanny Hines (died of pneumonia in the Boer War), Catherine Tully (awarded the 1914 Star with clasp) other World War One Experiences, Jessie Simmons (World War Two POW) Ann Mackinnon (served with the 2/6th Australian General Hospital), RAAF medevac nurses in Vietnam, nurses in Rwanda, and a review of the film Paradise Roadmilitary nursing-australia-history, world war 1914-1918, world war 1939-1945, vietnam war, world war 1939-1945 prisoners of war, rwanda, nurses, nursing

Illustrated book with red cover. The front cover has an outline of Queensland on which is printed an illustration of three women in the uniforms of the three military nursing services within a blue circle. Also on the front cover is the title printed in orange and authors name printed in black. Title in orange, author's surname and publishers mark in black are also printed on the spine. On the back cover in black print on a yellow rectangle the AANS pledge of service. Above this is an illustration of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces badge, and below is the badge of the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corpsnon-fictionA history of the development and practice of military nursing by Queensland nurses from the Boer War to Vietnam. Includes casualty list and list of decorations awarded to Queensland nursesroyal australian army nursing corps-history, military nursing-queensland-history, nurses-queensland-history, medicine-military-history-australia