Showing 124 items matching rdns centres
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Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, Barry Sutton, 25.07.1972
... required at home to the appropriate RDNS Centre, and in turn ...RDNS Liaison Officer, Sr. Barbara Watson is attending a meeting with members of Dr Kay's Coronary Care staff at the Alfred Hospital. Sr. Watson is wearing her RDNS winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a V neck tunic style herringbone winter material dress.Liaison had occurred between doctors and the Trained nurses (Nurses) of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885. This increased when Midwifery was introduced in August 1893 with close liaising with the Women’s Hospital. As District nursing grew it was recognized that closer liaising between many Public Hospitals would be beneficial, for not only the MDNS, later called Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Trained nurses (Sisters), but also for the patients and the hospitals. In August 1964 a Liaison Officer commenced at the Alfred Hospital. This soon increased to Liaison Officers working full time at several Public Hospitals.They facilitated the smooth transition from hospital to home for many patients who required ongoing nursing care. Liaison Sisters regularly attended discharge planning meetings, interviewed prospective patients, coordinated discharge and booked the first visit by the visiting RDNS Sister. At the time of a patient’s discharge, the Liaison Sister forwarded information on their diagnosis and instructions regarding the care required at home to the appropriate RDNS Centre, and in turn the attending District Sister wrote a report of progress and any queries to the hospital Doctor, via the Liaison Sister, at the time the patient attended outpatients. Any new instructions were then sent back to the District Sister. Liaising also occurred between District Sisters and Doctors when patients were referred by General Practitioners and did not attend a Hospital.On the left of the black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Liaison Sister Barbara Watson who has shoulder length blonde hair which is curled at the ends; she has her hands clasped in her lap. She is wearing her uniform light grey skivvie under a V neck tunic style dress and is seated on a chair, the first in a semi circle alongside five lady hospital staff members and Doctor Kay. To the right of Sr. Watson sits a lady who has shoulder length curled hair and is wearing a white hospital coat over her clothes, with part of her dark skirt seen.. Next is a lady with long dark curled hair who is wearing a white uniform dress under a dark cardigan. To her right is a lady with long dark straight hair who is wearing a white uniform dress and a dark cardigan; she has a pen in her right hand which is poised on a piece of white paper resting of her right knee. To her right is a Sister, wearing light rimmed glasses, and wearing a white uniform dress and a white cap over her short dark straight hair. A hospital badge is attached at the top neck of her dress. She has her hands clasped on her lap and is looking to her right at the Doctor. Next is a lady with short straight dark hair who is wearing a white hospital coat over a grey dress. On the far right is Dr. Kay, who has short dark hair and is wearing a white hospital coat over a grey shirt, dark tie and dark trousers.He is looking to his right. In the left background is a long table and to the right some papers can be seen attached to boards on a wall.Barry Sutton's photographer's stamprdns, royal district nursing service, rdns uniform, rdns liaison, dr. kay,, sister barbara watson -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, 09.1944
... Nursing Service (RDNS). Expansion followed with RDNS Centres built ...The group are photographed outside the Melbourne District Nursing Society After Care Hospital at 45 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. This photograph was taken three years after Miss Dorothy Tupper was appointed, in 1941, Matron of the District Nursing Division of 'Melbourne District Nursing Society and After Care Hospital'. She held this position until she retired at the end of 1962. In February 1885, 50 years after Melbourne was founded, it was recognized that nursing care was needed for the sick poor in inner Melbourne. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded, the first Society of its kind in Australia, with one Trained nurse, called 'Nurse' in those days, and a second employed six months later, working in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society only employed qualified nurses (Nurses) trained under the Hospital training system and was at the forefront of health care. They provided high quality nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. As the Society expanded bicycles and public transport were used to reach outer districts; before an appeal, during the influenza epidemic, provided four T Model Ford vehicles so the Nurses could visit more patients. Constant change of drivers and lack of time for maintenance caused cars to be disbanded. In addition to bicycles and public transport, a Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 and the public drove the District Trained nurses, 'Sisters', to visit patients in outer districts until District had its own fleet of vehicles. The After-Care and District division separated with the District Division moving premises and becoming Melbourne District Nursing Service, then in 1966 with royal patronage, Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). Expansion followed with RDNS Centres built throughout the Melbourne suburbs and outer regions. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the Sisters travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. Sitting from left to right in the front row of this black and white Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), photograph is a District nurse (Sister), next is Matron Tupper, (District Nursing Division) next, the Matron of the After-Care Hospital Section of the Society, and two District nurses, one wearing her uniform brimmed hat. Seven Sisters stand behind them, the centre two in white uniform dresses, one with short blonde hair, the other dark. The two Matrons are wearing white veils. The rest of the District nurses are wearing grey long sleeved uniform dresses, and have short dark curled hair. They are in front of a concrete veranda with the brick building behind. To the left of the Sisters a hydrangea bush can be seenGreen Number 948Fmelbourne district nursing society, m.d.n.s., nurses, mdns matron, mdns uniforms, after- care hospital, rdns, royal district nursing service, dorothy tupper -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, c.1929
... Royal patronage. Now as Royal District Nursing Service, RDNS ...This is a photographic record of Matron Beatrice Williams and the Trained nurses, (Sisters), of the District Nursing division of the Melbourne District Nursing Society who worked in the community give nursing care to patient's in their homes. Their uniforms are grey and the Maltese cross on the Sisters hats is red.From its earliest years when Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) began to wear uniforms the chosen colour was grey, though the style changed throughout the years as fashions changed from the late 1800s through to the 1970s. The Trained nurses (Nurses), firstly wore long grey frocks and a white cap with a long white tail hanging from the centre back. When bicycles were introduced in 1903 the headgear changed to a white pith helmet adorned with a red Maltese cross in the centre front. This was held on with a veil going over the hat and tied under the chin. Over the years there were complaints that the veils became wet in the rain and they asked for a change of uniform, but this did not happen until 1921. Later the Nurses complained their skirts became wet when riding their bicycles in the rain and asked, when raining, to be able to wear breeches and gaiters. This was granted provided they wore aprons when attending patients. It was not long before the uniform changed to a shorter length grey frock, red cardigan, grey coat and grey brimmed hat; later changed to a peaked grey hat. In 1966 MDNS were granted Royal patronage. Now as Royal District Nursing Service, RDNS, the uniform was redesigned and colour changed in 1971. By 1972 the Trained nurses (Sisters) were wearing the new winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a V neck tunic style frock made of blue/grey herringbone winter material with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, and a beret of the same material. In summer the uniform became a royal blue V neck tunic style frock, with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, worn over a short sleeve white blouse. A royal blue peaked hat with the RDNS insignia in the centre front was worn at first and then only worn on official occasions. This uniform was worn until changed to a corporate style in the mid 1980s,Black and white photograph of Matron Beatrice Williams wearing a white uniform and veil, with a group of twelve Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) trained nurses (Sisters) wearing their calf length uniforms of grey coats, and grey brimmed hats with pale grey hat band with central Maltese cross, standing in the garden of the MDNS After-Care home.No. 8526 on rear of photographmelbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns uniforms, rdns, royal district nursing service, mdns matron, miss beatrice mary williams -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Headwear - Photograph, colour, c.1903
... with the RDNS insignia in the centre front was worn at first ...Cream pith helmets were part of the uniform worn by Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses (Nurses) from the early 1900s when giving nursing care to the sick poor of Melbourne. When riding their bicycles the helmet was held on by a long white scarf tied under the Nurse's chin. From its earliest years when Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses, known as 'Nurse' in those days, began to wear uniforms the chosen colour was grey, though the style changed throughout the years as fashions changed from the late 1800s through to the 1970s. The Nurses firstly wore long grey frocks and a white cap with a long white tail hanging from the centre back. When bicycles were introduced in 1903 the headgear changed to a cream pith helmet adorned with a red Maltese cross in the centre front. This was held on with a veil going over the hat and tied under the chin. Over the years there were complaints that the veils became wet in the rain and they asked for a change of uniform, but this did not happen until 1921. The Nurses complained their skirts became wet when riding their bicycles in the rain and asked, when raining, to be able to wear breeches and gaiters. This was granted provided they wore aprons when attending patients. It was not long before the uniform changed to a shorter length grey frock, red cardigan, grey coat and grey brimmed hat; later changed to a peaked grey hat. In 1966 MDNS were granted Royal patronage. Now as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), the uniform was redesigned and colour changed in 1971. By 1972 the Sisters were wearing the new winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a V neck tunic style frock made of blue/grey herringbone winter material with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, and a beret of the same material. In summer the uniform became a royal blue V neck tunic style frock, with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, worn over a short sleeve white blouse. A royal blue peaked hat with the RDNS insignia in the centre front was worn at first and then only worn on official occasions. This uniform was worn until changed to a corporate style in the mid 1980s,This hard cream coloured pith helmet has a 'pudding basin' shaped crown with 2 eyelets on both sides of it and a raised 'button' in the centre of the crown. This is encircled by a slightly sloping brim. A red cotton Maltese cross is emblazoned in the centre. The crown has a 66 cm circumference and is 12 cm deep; the raised central button is 3.5 cm x 3 cm; and the brim has a 101 cm circumference and is 5 cm deep.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns uniforms, rdns, royal district nursing service -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Headwear - Photograph, colour, c.1960
... Nursing Service, RDNS, the uniform was redesigned and colour ...This hat is part of the uniform worn by all the Trained nurses (Sisters) of the Melbourne District Nursing Service, (MDNS), during the 1960s. The Sisters travelled around the inner and outer suburbs of Melbourne administering nursing care to patients in their homes. From its earliest years when Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) began to wear uniforms the chosen colour was grey, though the style changed throughout the years as fashions changed from the late 1800s through to the 1970s. The Trained nurses firstly wore long grey frocks and a white cap with a long white tail hanging from the centre back. When bicycles were introduced the headgear changed to a white pith helmet adorned with a red Maltese cross in the centre front. This was held on with a veil going over the hat and tied under the chin. Over the years there were complaints that the veils became wet in the rain and they asked for a change of uniform, but this did not happen until 1921. The nurses complained their skirts became wet when riding their bicycles in the rain and asked, when raining, to be able to wear breeches and gaiters. This was granted provided they wore aprons when attending patients. It was not long before the uniform changed to a shorter length grey frock, red cardigan, grey coat and grey brimmed hat; later changed to a peaked grey hat. In 1966 MDNS were granted Royal patronage. Now as Royal District Nursing Service, RDNS, the uniform was redesigned and colour changed in 1971. By 1972 the Sisters were wearing the new winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a V neck tunic style frock made of blue/grey herringbone winter material with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, and a beret of the same material. In summer the uniform became a royal blue V neck tunic style frock, with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, worn over a short sleeve white blouse. A royal blue peaked hat with the RDNS insignia in the centre front was worn at first and then only worn on official occasions. This uniform was worn until changed to a corporate style in the mid 1980s,A Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) felt grey peaked hat, which has a deep crown and a flat top. Stitching comes from four corners of the crown at an angle to a grey band, which contains several rows of stitching, and surrounds the crown.. A stiff sloping grey brim, containing several rows of stitching, joins the band surrounding the crown, the rear of the brim is turned up and the front forms a peak. A cotton red Maltese cross is sewn to the centre front of the crown and band. A white with blue 'created by Effie Joy' label is attached to the inner hat band along with 'Size 22'. The crown is 9.5 cm deep and the brim is 5 cm deepmdns, melbourne district nursing service, mdns uniforms, rdns, royal district nursing service -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Digital image, c.1935
Matron F. L. Gordon and the Sisters are standing in front of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Nurses Home at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. The Nurses lived in this residence from 1914-1953. In 1926 the After-Care Home was built next door. This image was taken twelve months after the name of the Society changed from 'Melbourne District Nursing Society After Care 'Home' to 'Hospital'. The photograph shows the uniform of the District Division of the Melbourne District Nursing Society in the 1930s, with the uniform dress made of grey cotton. Their brimmed hat was made of felt with a cotton hat band with a red Maltese cross in the centre front. From its founding in 1885 until 1891 the Trained nurses, called 'Nurse' in those days, of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) worked from their own homes which were located in the vicinity of their areas (districts). In November 1891 MDNS was able to rent a two story terraced house at 66 Cardigan Street, Carlton, at £65 a year, which contained accommodation for three Nurses and one pupil nurse as well as being used as their Headquarters. They left from their Nurses Home each morning and returned at the end of their shift to write up their book work before retiring for the day. Three years later, in 1894, 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. Consumptive cases. Doctor’s prescriptions were filled at the Pharmacy. Cupboards containing donated blankets and bedclothes for needy patients were kept in this room, and it was here where the Nurses kept their nursing bags which were refilled at the end of each shift ready for any emergency and for the next day. A list of Doctors the Nurses could call was kept by the telephone. The Home also had a kitchen where nourishing soup was made and distributed twice a week to the needy. Milk was also distributed when needed. In 1902 they moved into rented premises at 188 Leicester Street, Carlton and two years later, in 1904, to premises at 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy. They remained there for ten years 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 became their Headquarters and Nurses Home. In 1926 the After-Care Home for recovering patients, (later called After-Care Hospital) was built by the Society next door, running from 41-47 Victoria Parade (became No. 45); the District Sisters 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, with a change of name to Melbourne District Nursing Service in 1957. With Royal patronage, this changed to Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) in 1966. As District expanded, and now with outlying districts to service and with a full fleet of District cars, Sisters lived in their own homes and visited their District Centre each morning to collect their work for the day and returned there at the end of their days work in the community to carry out their administrative work. The digital image shows Matron, Miss F.L. Gordon, wearing a white uniform and veil and a dark coloured cape standing amid a group of eleven District Trained nurses (Sisters), from the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS). Two Sisters are to her left and the others to her right. They are standing in front of a grey building. The Sisters are wearing their uniforms of grey long coats with lapels; the coat is secured with a belt around the waist. This is worn over their grey uniforms, with white collars. Each Sister is wearing their uniform grey brimmed hat with a Maltese cross attached to the light hatband, and are carrying a square shaped nursing case. They are standing in two rows, with some on the veranda of the building and some in front on the path; two Sisters are just off the path amid the shrubs. Part of the grey concrete building can be seen behind the Sisters with the open door to the left and part of three long windows seen to its right. One Sister has her lower left arm resting on the veranda rail.'Miss F.L. Gordon, Matron, and some of the District Sisters'mdns, melbourne district nursing society, 39 victoria parade, collingwood, rdns, royal district nursing service, nurses home, miss f.l. gordon, mdns uniforms, mdns matron -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, c.1980
This photograph is taken in the home of the Mother and babe and shows a RDNS Sister who is visiting to give the mother and babe Post-natal care. Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had a Domiciliary Infant and Maternal Care (DIMC) service which gave Post-natal care to new born mothers and babes in their homes following their early discharge from hospital, or if required for other reasons. 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 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 worked in DIMC also had their Infant Welfare Certificate, though Midwifery trained nurses also visited. Black and white photograph showing, to the left, a Royal District Nursing (RDNS) Domiciliary Postnatal Sister, with long hair drawn up, and wearing a white gown. She is attending to a new born baby in her wicker bassinet at the baby's home. The Sister is smiling and has her left hand by the shoulder of the wrapped babe, and her right hand is resting lower on the baby. The baby's mother, who has curly short dark hair, is dressed in a floral blouse and dark cardigan. She is standing to the right of the Sister and behind the bassinet, and is looking down at her babe and smiling. Her left hand is resting on the bassinet. The baby has dark hair and has her hand partly covering her mouth. Part of a picture is seen on the wall behind the mother.rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns domiciliary post natal service, rdns domiciary infant and maternal care, rdns dimc -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, c.1980
This photograph shows one of the aspects of nursing care carried out by the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). It shows wound care being given by a Sister to a patient in her own home. The bandage being applied is called a 'Blue line bandage'. which gives firm pressure to the ladies leg.The Trained nurses of the Melbourne District Nursing Society, MDNS, from its inception in 1885, provided wound care to their patients who ranged in age from the very young to the elderly. As research developed better products and dressing materials the methods and medication applied to wounds changed. MDNS received Royal patronage in 1966 and as Royal District Nursing Service, RDNS, the Education department developed programs, such as Wound Care Program and the Leg Ulcer Management Program, to provide their Sisters with methods of best quality care. The Sisters liaised with the patient’s Doctors and Hospitals to provide information on the progress of patient’s wounds and to receive any change of wound care from the Doctor. RDNS introduced Wound Care Specialists who did assessments and provided advice and support to the District Sisters working in the field. On the left of this black and white photograph is a Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister, with short dark hair and wearing a white gown, leaning over and bandaging the right leg of a lady. The bandage has a line around the centre. The lady is looking down at the bandaging; she is wearing glasses, and is wearing a dark padded dressing gown edged with white. The lady has her other leg bandaged and a dressing on her forehead. Her right arm is in a collar and cuff sling with her jacket covering most of her arm; the first finger of her left hand is bandaged. She is in her home and is sitting on a floral covered chair, with a white towel over its right arm. The lady has both legs elevated. mdns, melbourne district nursing society, rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns wound care -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, c.1980
This photograph depicts a Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister (Sr.) visiting Mrs. Hodginson and babe in their home. Sr. Wan is weighing baby Tamara as part of the Post-Natal care she is giving. A nurse who is doing her Hospital training is visiting with the Sister and observing. RDNS had a Domiciliary Infant and Maternal Care, (DIMC) service operating from most Centres which visited early discharged, often 24 hours after birth, maternity cases from hospitals to give Post-natal care to the mother and babe. Sr. Wan is wearing her RDNS summer uniform of a short sleeve white blouse under a royal blue V neck tunic style frock and a dark blue cardigan. In August 1893 Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), commenced a Midwifery Service with Nurse Fowler, who was trained in a hospital 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 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 worked in DIMC also had their Infant Welfare Certificate, though Midwifery trained nurses also visited. On the right of the black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) DIMC Sister J. Wan, who has short dark curly hair and is wearing a white gown over her uniform, with the white collar and sleeves of her dark cardigan seen. She is laughing as she holds the top ring of hand held baby scales in her right hand; the bottom of the scale has a metal hook which has a sling attached to it with four cotton 'ropes'. Baby Tamara is supported in the sling which is just resting on a sheep skin and bunny rug covered metal framed change table. Sr. Wan has her left hand on the sling. To the left of the photograph is Tamara's smiling mother, Mrs. Lynda Hodginson, and in the centre of the photograph is observer Nurse Sheehan. Mrs. Hodginson is wearing a striped dress with a V neck, and has dark shoulder length hair. Nurse Sheehan has short dark hair and is wearing a white uniform and dark cardigan. A nursing watch is attached to the right hand side of her uniform. Part of a landscape picture can be seen on the wall behind her. A small white fluffy rabbit sits on the left hand side of the change table. Baby Tamara has sparse dark hair and is sucking on a dummy.Photographer's stampmdns, melbourne district nursing society, melbourne district nursing service, royal district nursing service, rdns, mdns midwifery, rdns domiciliary postnatal service, dimc, tamara hodginson, nurse sheehan, sister j. wan, mrs lynda hodginson -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, c.1980
... Education department, joined RDNS Centres and worked under ...An RDNS Sister had previously visited Mrs. Crook in her home and assessed the nursing care she required. Following the Sister's instructions, the Home Health Aide in this photograph, Robin Brown, is assisting Mrs. Crook from her lounge chair onto her walking frame. Mrs. Crook's son, Robert is also assisting his mother. Home Health Aides were employed and trained by Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1980. They wore a RDNS royal blue uniform, which has a white trim and RDNS badge applied to the left hand side, and a dark blue cardigan. 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 Trained nurses (Sisters). The Sister assessed each patient, then introduced and supervised the Health Aide in the patient procedure required. The Sister wrote out clear, concise procedural instructions on a work card which the Health Aide followed each visit. If the Health Aide noticed any change in the patient’s condition, this was reported immediately and the Sister visited. The Sister made routine visits to the patient for review at least monthly. On the left of this black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service, Home Health Aide, Robin Brown, who has dark shoulder length hair and is wearing a dark cardigan over her dark coloured uniform which has white piping at the edge. To her right is Mrs. Crook who is sitting froward in her lounge chair. A walking frame, which has a material bag hanging from the front bar, is in front of her. Robin Brown has her left hand on Mrs Crook's back and her right hand under her arm. Mrs. Crook has curly white hair; is wearing glasses which are resting partly down her nose, and is wearing a light coloured cardigan over her dark dress. Part of a necklace of pearls can be seen hanging over her dress. She is smiling and looking at the camera. She has her right hand on the upper part of the right wing of the walking frame and her left hand is on the top hand grip section on the left wing of the frame. To her right, her son, Robert, who is squatted down by the chair, has short dark hair and is wearing a checked shirt. He is holding the left wing of the walking frame with his left hand and his right arm is extended with his hand on his mother's back. Closed floral curtains are seen in the rear of the photograph.Photographer's stamprdns, royal district nursing service, home health aide, home health aide uniform, patient care, mrs crook, mr robert crook, home health aide robin brown -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, c. 1967
This photograph depicts Post-Natal care being given by a Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister who is working in the RDNS Domiciliary Infant and Maternal Care (DIMC) section of the Service. The photograph is taken in the home of the mother and baby and the Sister is in the process of putting the baby onto the Baby scales to ascertain the babe's weight. Sisters employed in the DIMC section of RDNS gave Post-natal care to both the mother and her newly born babe when they were discharged early from hospital. This photograph was taken in the year following Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) being granted Royal patronage in 1966 and becoming Royal District Nursing Service. The Sister is wearing the the same grey uniform frock used by MDNS but the badge on her peaked cap has changed from a red Maltese cross to a metal round silver badge with a royal blue circle around the edge with the words 'Royal District Nursing Service' in white capital letters running inside the blue circle.The centre of the badge is divided into three sections; a silver rising sun top and bottom, and a thick royal blue horizontal central strip with 'RDNS' written in large white capital letters. This uniform continued to be worn until 1971 when it changed colour and style. In August 1893 Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), commenced a Midwifery Service with Nurse Fowler, who trained in a Hospital and was qualified in General nursing and Midwifery nursing, being the first Midwife employed. Mothers were assessed for suitability of a home birth, or if they required delivery at the Women’s Hospital. The Midwife worked in conjunction with the Doctors at the Women’s Hospital and if a complication arose the patient was transferred to their care. Following birth they gave Post-Natal care to both the mother and babe. In 1898 the service ceased due to lack of funds but recommenced in 1906, and in the August 1925 Annual Report the number of MDNS home births was recorded at 478. MDNS built the After-Care Home and an Anti-Natal Clinic was opened in 1930. The last Ante-Natal clinic was held there in December 1951 and the MDNS Midwifery service ceased in February 1952. In 1964 MDNS commenced a Post-Natal service with General and Midwifery trained MDNS Sisters working from a room at Footscray Hospital, and visiting early discharged Footscray Hospital maternity cases at home. Now as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), this service was extended to a Domiciliary Infant and Maternal Care, (DIMC) service operating from most Centres and visiting early discharged, often 24 hours after birth, maternity cases from hospitals to give post-natal care to the mother and babe. Many Sisters working in this area had a Certificate in Infant Welfare as well as their General and Midwifery Certificates.In the right rear of this black and white photograph is a Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS), Sister who is wearing a white gown over her uniform, and wearing her grey peaked hat with the RDNS badge visible, looking down at a baby she is about to weigh. The baby has sparse dark hair, is wearing a white singlet and is crying. The Baby scales, which are sitting on a table in front of the Sister, are white with a rectangular base and curved sided tray on the top. The Sister is standing behind the scales, and is supporting the babe's body with her right hand and holding baby's legs with her left hand as she lowers babe fully onto the scales. On the left of the photograph, the mother, who has long dark hair with a hair scarf holding it back, and is wearing a striped frock, is siting on a chair with her arms crossed at her waist, and is smiling at her babe as she observes proceedings.. Photographers Stampmdns, melbourne district nursing society, melbourne district nursing service, rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns domiciliary postnatal service, dimc -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, 09 05 1967
In 1964 Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) commenced a Domiciliary Postnatal Service, later called Domiciliary Infant and Maternal.Care (DIMC), when Royal patronage was granted in 1966 (RDNS). The Sisters gave Post-natal care to the mother and babes and visited for support and advice as long as needed. The central RDNS badges on the Sisters hats is made of metal and has 'Royal District Nursing Service' written in the outside royal blue circle. The inner area is divided in three parts, the top and bottom sections are a silver rising sun and the central royal blue horizontal band has the letters 'RDNS' written white capital letters.In August 1893 Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), commenced a Midwifery Service with Nurse Fowler, who was Hospital 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 the patient was transferred to their care. Following birth they gave Post-Natal care to both the mother and babe. In 1898 the service ceased due to lack of funds but recommenced in 1906, and in the August 1925 Annual Report the number of MDNS home births was recorded at 478. MDNS built the After-Care Home and an Anti-Natal Clinic was opened in 1930. The last Ante-Natal clinic was held there in December 1951 and the MDNS Midwifery service ceased in February 1952. In 1964 MDNS commenced a Post-Natal service with General and Midwifery trained MDNS Sisters working from a room at Footscray Hospital, and visiting early discharged Footscray Hospital maternity cases at home. Later, as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), this service was extended to a Domiciliary Infant and Maternal Care (DIMC), service operating from most Centres and visiting early discharged, often 24 hours after birth, maternity cases from hospitals to give post-natal care to the mother and babe. Many of the RDNS Sisters who did DIMC had their Triple Certificate (Infant Welfare), though Midwifery trained nurses also visited. Black and white photograph showing two Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS), Postnatal Service Sisters visiting a mother and her triplets in their home. Both Sisters and the mother are smiling and sitting on a dark coloured couch with each holding one of the babes who are wrapped in light coloured bunny rugs. The Sister on the left is wearing a white gown, with the grey peaks of her uniform showing; her nursing badge is attached to the right hand peak of her uniform. She is wearing her grey peaked hat, with central attached RDNS badge, over her short dark curled hair. To her right is the mother, who has short straight dark hair, and is wearing a white blouse and dark tartan skirt. On the far right is Sister Barbara Weisart, wearing a white gown; with the grey peaks of her uniform showing, and wearing her grey peaked hat with central RDNS badge over her short dark straight hair. A set of white baby scales are seen to her rightPhotographers Stamp. Quote No. GE 13mdns, melbourne district nursing society, melbourne district nursing service, royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns domiciliary postnatal service, dimc, sister barbara weisart -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, 15 05 1967
The Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister is leaving Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, to administer nursing care to patients in their own homes. The Sisters nursed patients referred by Hospitals and General Practitioners giving treatments, such as injections, wound care and doing other procedures, as well as assisting them with general care when required. The Sister is driving an Australian built Holden car of the 1960s which, along with the other parked Holden cars are part of the RDNS fleet of vehicles. From its inception in 1885 the Trained nurses (Nurses) of the then named Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later named Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) gave high quality nursing care to patients in their own homes. They nursed patients referred by Hospitals and General Practitioners giving treatments, such as injections, wound care and doing other procedures, as well as assisting them with general care when required. From the early days the Nurses taught the importance of good hygiene, cleanliness, good nutrition in the prevention and curing of disease and in maintaining good health, as well as giving advice and support to the patient and their carers. The Sisters liaised with the patient’s Doctor. District has had various modes of transport over the last 130 years. At first the Nurses walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded bicycles, public transport, District cars, the use of a Motor Auxiliary, nurses own cars, and even a motorcycle were used, and all these forms were intermingled until RDNS had its own fleet of vehicles. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the nurses travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. The Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) building at 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne was originally called 'Airlie', the childhood home of Stanley Melbourne Bruce, the Prime Minister of Australia 1923-1929. RDNS, then named Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) moved into this building as their Nurses Home and Headquarters in 1953. MDNS was given Royal patronage in 1966 and continued to occupy the building until 1996. 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. In the foreground of this black and white photograph are three cars on St. Kilda Road passing Arthur Street on their left. In the centre is a Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS), Sister sitting at the driving wheel of her RDNS grey Holden car in Arthur Street, at the corner of St. Kilda Road. Behind the car are two round poles inset in the nature strip near the kerb; the pole on the right holds the street signs 'Arthur St' which points to the left of the photograph, and 'St Kilda Rd' points towards the number '452' attached to a square concrete column and metal spiked fence running down the right of the photograph behind the nature strip. In the background of the photograph is the corner view showing two sides, part in Arthur Street and part in St. Kilda Road, of RDNS Headquarters which is a large white two storey Italian style building, which has arched Arcadia on the ground floor, and an arched Arcade on the second floor; a flat roof with two chimneys is seen. A garden with trees can be seen running in front of both sides of the building and behind the cast iron spiked fence. In Arthur Street, to the left of the large building is a two storey white building with a tiled roof. It has a white solid fence in front of it Parked at the kerb in front of this building, and the section of RDNS large white building in Arthur Street, are three other RDNS grey Holden cars. Parts of a large trees are seen on the left and right of the photograph.Photographers stamp. Quote GE 46rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns transport, rdns headquarters -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, 23.05.1967
The photograph shows a RDNS Sister driving her RDNS car along a dirt road to reach a patient to administer nursing care. It shows the typical conditions of the roads the RDNS trained nurses encountered in some districts. The photograph also depicts an Australian made Holden car of the mid 1960s Melbourne District Nursing Society, later Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) has had various modes of transport over the last 130 years. At first their Trained nurses (Nurses) walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded bicycles, public transport, District cars, the use of a Motor Auxiliary, the Trained nurses (Sisters) own cars, and even a motorcycle were used, and all these forms were intermingled until RDNS had its own fleet of vehicles. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the Sisters travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. The Trained 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 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, Poliomyelistis, 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 centre of this black and white photograph is a Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS), Sister at the wheel of her RDNS Holden car, which has a black rear Victorian number plate with 'JPH - 516' written in white letters. Through the back window you can see part of the Sister's uniform and her peaked hat worn over her short curled hair. Her left hand is on the upper part of the steering wheel. The dirt road on which she is travelling has mud and some grass tufts either side of it. On the right of the car is a hip roof brick house which has a single storey front area with attached two storey section at the rear. A short open Besser brick fence, with a white wooden gate, is seen running from the front of the property to the house, and beyond this a clothes line and shed. Beyond this, part of a tall paling fence is seen from the front of the property to the shed. The top section of the next brick house is seen beyond the fence; it has a white railed veranda along part of it and the house has a flat roof.Photographers stamp. Quote No. GE 90rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns transport, rdns patient care -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, 23.05.1967
This photograph shows the typical road conditions encountered by RDNS District Sisters during their days work visiting patients to administer nursing care. From its inception in 1885 their Trained nurses (Nurses) of the then named Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later named Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) gave high quality nursing care to patients in their own homes. They nursed patients referred by Hospitals and General Practitioners giving treatments, such as injections, wound care and doing other procedures, as well as assisting them with general care when required. District Nursing has had various modes of transport over the last 130 plus years. At first, from 1885 as MDNS, the Nurses walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded public transport was used; bicycles were bought by the Society in 1903 and used in inner areas until 1945. During the Spanish flu epidemic, in 1919, MDNS appealed for assistance to procure Motor vehicles so the Nurses could visit an influx of cases. Through trusts, grants and donations four 'Ford 'T Model' cars were procured which enabled the Nurses to triple their visits. Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state they were sold in 1927. A Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take their Trained nurses (Sisters) to patients, and some Sisters used their own cars; even a motorcycle was used by one Sister in 1933. All these forms of transport were intermingled until, having received Royal patronage; the now Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own full fleet of vehicles by the mid 1960s. In many areas there were unsealed roads, in various conditions, which the Sisters negotiated to reach their patients to give care. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the nurses travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. In the centre of this black and white photograph is a Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS) Sister in her RDNS grey car driving up the lower section of a hill on a dirt road. The car's rear black Victorian number plate, with 'JPH - 516' written on it can be seen. Dust is rising on either side of the car. In the foreground the road runs downward to a dip and then up the hill; trees are along either side of the road, and dirt and stones are seen on the side of the road in the left foreground. Photographers stamp. Quote No. GE 95rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns transport -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, 30 06 1965
The MDNS Sister has given nursing care to the gentleman and has transferred him safely into the wheelchair. Whilst doing this the Sister demonstrated the transfer technique to the lady in the photograph who is probably his wife. The Sister is wearing the MDNS uniform of the day, a grey cotton dress and red cardigan, under her white gown. She has a red Maltese cross applied to the centre of her grey peaked hat.From its founding in 1885 the Hospital Trained nurses of the then named Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later named Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) gave high quality nursing care to patients in their own homes. They nursed patients referred by Hospitals and General Practitioners giving treatments, such as injections, wound care and doing many other procedures, as well as assisting them with 'general care' when required. The Sisters needed to transfer the patients when required and also taught family members safe transferring techniques to enable them to care for their loved ones. RDNS employed a Physiotherapist who taught staff the correct techniques, not only for safety of the patient, but to reduce physical strain on patient’s family members and the RDNS nursing staff . Where possible the Sisters worked towards independence, using equipment such as shower seats, rails and hand showers. The Sisters liaised with the patient's Doctor and supported and advised the patient and Carer of any further help to assist them.On the left of the black and white photograph is a Melbourne District Nursing Service, (MDNS) Sister, who is wearing glasses and is looking at the camera. She is wearing a white gown over her uniform, with the grey collar and the dark sleeves of her cardigan in view and her grey peaked hat, with an emblazoned Maltese cross in the centre front, sits over her short dark curly hair. Both of her arms are extended and resting on either side of a pillow she is straightening. The Sister is standing next to wheelchair bound man who has short dark hair and is wearing dark trousers and a light coloured jumper. On the right hand side of the wheelchair a lady, wearing a light blouse, grey jumper and tartan skirt, is standing with her left hand resting on the left arm of the man.They are both smiling and looking slightly towards the right in the photograph A 'monkey bar hand grip' is attached to the bed by a pole and hangs on a white chair over the bed. A window covered by a blind is behind the Sister, with a light curtain to the left..Photographers stamp. Quote No. DW 84mdns, melbourne district nursing service, patient care, rdns, royal district nursing service -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, 23 05 1967
This is a typical situation confronted by RDNS Sisters when travelling to the home of a patient to give them nursing care. The Sister is driving an Australian built Holden vehicle made in the mid 1960s which was part of the RDNS fleet of cars.From its inception in 1885 the Trained nurses of the then named Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later named Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) gave high quality nursing care to patients in their own homes. They nursed patients referred by Hospitals and General Practitioners giving treatments, such as injections, wound care and doing other procedures, as well as assisting them with general care when required. Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own full fleet of vehicles by the mid 1960s. In many areas there were unsealed roads, in various conditions, which the Sisters negotiated to reach their patients to give care. Seat-belts had been introduced to Victoria in 1959 and District fitted them to their cars from 1962, even though they did not become compulsory until 1970. The Melways Directory of maps was introduced in 1966 which was a boon to the Sisters, though it was a few years before it went beyond Seville, so those that gave nursing care in the Launching Place, Yarra Junction, Warburton and Powelltown area used a large paper map and once the particular house was found an 'x' was marked to denote the street and approximate site of the house to assist the visiting Sisters. On the right of the black and white photograph is a front-on view of Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS), Sister driving her RDNS Holden car, with Registration number 'JPH 516' on the front number plate, on a dirt road approaching an intersection. Seen on the left hand side of the photograph is the cabin view of a truck as it is about to enter the intersection. A white house with a pitched roof can be seen on the left hand side of the photograph behind the truck. A lamp post is seen in the centre of the left hand side nature strip behind the bonnet of the truck. Trees line the road the RDNS car is traversing, and in the background behind the RDNS car, a hill with houses can be seen. photographers stamp. Quote No. GE 102rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns transport -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, 07 06 1967
... Health Aides were employed and worked in RDNS Centres under ...Miss Evans, Director of Nursing of Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS), is holding an Education session with RDNS staff. Her uniform is a grey skirt and jacket with the RDNS badge emblazoned on her right shoulder. The badge has a white background and black writing. The RDNS Sisters are wearing their grey uniform frocks and red cardigans. Education was an integral part of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, later, in 1966, called Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS). From 1885, only Trained Nurses, through the hospital training system, were employed by the Society, and on visits to patients they taught the necessity of hygiene and cleanliness, as well as the need for a good diet, to bring about good health. Doctor’s lectures were later given at the MDNS home to instruct patients and their families on prevention of disease. Education to patients continued throughout the years regarding health care and the use of equipment in the home. In 1961, Education programs commenced at MDNS with Sisters receiving In-service education. Sr. Pat (Paddy) Rowley was a leader in In-service Education and established the RDNS Department of Community Nursing Education in 1962. Staff could also apply for scholarships to further their education outside of RDNS. Many of their senior trained nurses received Postgraduate diplomas from the College of Nursing in Community Health Nursing, Education, and Administration and several travelled overseas visiting nursing organizations viewing their public health and district nursing systems. At RDNS many programs were run, including: a Post Basic Course, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nursing, Haematology/Oncology Nursing, Palliative Care program, Diabetic Stabilization Program, Leg Ulcer Management Program, Wound Care Specialist Program, HIV/AIDS Nursing Care, Cystic Fibrosis Home Support, Veterans Home Care Program, Breast Cancer Support Program, Continence Management Program, Stomal Therapy Program, In-Home Lactation Support Program and the Homeless Persons Program. RDNS staff attended several hospitals to observe and learn special care needed to some clients, e.g. to the Austin Hospital to learn the care required for paraplegic and quadriplegic clients at home, and to Mount Royal Hospital to observe the care of clients in the Rehabilitation ward. A Community Nursing Education Program was extended to student nurses from hospitals and to other nursing organizations. These Education programs kept the RDNS Sisters abreast of new techniques, such as changes in technology for e.g. new testing methods in detecting glucose levels in Diabetic patients. Sr. Nan Deakin obtained a Post Basic Certificate in Psychiatric Nursing and included this area in her education lectures. Sr. Daphne Geldard specialized in the area of Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. These Sisters visited patients in District areas with the regular RDNS Sister when required. Every member of staff, both professional and non professional staff, received regular education in the Education Department. In 1980, a Home Health Aide pilot study, funded by the Federal Government, the Brotherhood of St. Laurence and RDNS, with the program written and taught by Sr. Rowley, was evaluated as successful, and Home Health Aides were employed and worked in RDNS Centres under the supervision of the RDNS Registered Nurses. Black and white photograph showing Miss Mary Evan standing in the centre rear of the photograph. She is with five RDNS Sisters who have short hair, three with curly hair and two with straight hair, who are sitting on chairs with white paged books resting on 'over the lap' tables. Three Sisters are seated in front of Miss Evans, and another two Sisters are sitting in the foreground. Miss Evans, who has short dark curled hair, is wearing her grey uniform jacket which can be seen with the RDNS cloth badge visible at the top of her right sleeve. She is bending over one of the Sisters and has her right hand pointing to something on the Sister's book. Closed light curtains are seen in the rear of the photograph and a dark desk to the right. On the wall above this, part of a blackboard can be seen.Photographers stamp. Quote No. GF 28rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns education, miss mary evans, rdns d.o.n -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, 26 07 1967
... RDNS Centre, and in turn the attending District Sister wrote ...Sister Coates is working as a RDNS Liaison Officer in a Hospital and is sharing information with the Occupational Health Sister.Liaison had occurred between doctors and the Trained 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 MDNS, later called Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Trained nursing staff, but also for the patients and the hospitals. In August 1964 a Liaison Officer commenced at the Alfred Hospital. This soon increased to Liaison Officers working full time at several Public Hospitals. At the time of a patient’s discharge, the Liaison Sister forwarded information on their diagnosis and instructions regarding the care required at home to the appropriate RDNS Centre, and in turn the attending District Sister wrote a report of progress and any queries to the Hospital doctor, via the Liaison sister, at the time the patient was attending outpatients. Any new instructions were then sent back to the District Sister. Liaising also occurred between District field staff and Doctors when patients were referred by General Practitioners and did not attend a hospital.Black and white photograph of Sister Moira Coates, Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS), Liaison Sister who is standing side on in the left foreground of the photograph. She has dark short hair, and is wearing her grey short sleeved uniform with an RDNS cloth badge at the top of her right sleeve, and her grey peaked uniform hat. She is in a Hospital and is holding an open leaflet in her left hand which she is showing to an Occupational Health Sister who is on her right, and is wearing her white uniform and white veil. Part of a trolley, with equipment on the top and bottom shelf, can be seen in the background on the right hand side. Closed Venetian blinds are seen in the background on the left hand side of the photograph.Photographers stamp and 'Quote No. GH 8'rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns liaison, sister moira coates -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, c.1967
The photograph is taken during an Education session at Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). The Sisters are wearing their grey uniform cotton frocks and red cardigans of that era.Education was an integral part of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later called Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS), from its inception in 1885. Only Trained nurses (Nurses) were employed by the Society, and on visits to patients they taught the necessity of hygiene and cleanliness, as well as the need for a good diet, to bring about good health. Doctor’s lectures were later given at the MDNS home to instruct patients and their families on prevention of disease. Education to patients continued throughout the years regarding health care and the use of equipment in the home. RDNS Trained nurses (Sisters) received In-service education and by the end of the 1960s there was an increased focus on rehabilitation and independence. Patients were offered rehabilitation and new lifting techniques were introduced to reduce physical strain on staff and family members. Royal District Nursing Service ran its own rehabilitation program requiring staff to be trained in techniques by RDNS Physiotherapists.Black and white photograph of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley on left hand side, and Sister Joanne Wilkinson on right hand side, demonstrating the use of a hoist which has transferred Sister Liz Thomson onto a bed in the centre of the photograph. The bed is covered with white sheets and Sr. Thomson is lying on the bed with the sling of the hoist under her. The lowest metal bars and wheels of the hoist are under the bed and the top bars across the bed. Sr. Wilkinson's right hand is undoing the sling from the top bar of the hoist, and her left hand is holding the strap of the sling which is under Sr. Thomson. The Sisters are wearing their grey uniform frocks and dark cardigans. A window with two long floral opened curtains are behind the bed, and a strip heater is seen high on the adjoining wall.Photographers stamp. Quote No GW 90royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns education, equipment, sister pat (paddy) rowley, sister liz thomson, sister joanne wilkinson -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, c.1965
... equipment sterilizing rdns centre Barry Sutton Barry Sutton ...This photograph is taken in the Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) Footscray Centre and shows a Sister receiving sterilized equipment from a Sister in the Autoclave room. The Sister receiving the equipment will use this when giving specific nursing care to a patient in her home.Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS), later called Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), had an Autoclave room in each Centre where Catheter trays, dressing trays, as well as dressing packs and gowns and towels were sterilized for their Trained staff (Sisters) to take to the home when attending to a patient who required specific nursing care. When the Sisters returned to the Centre they cleaned the equipment and set up the trays ready for re-sterilizing. On the right of the black and white photograph is a Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) Sister, wearing a white gown over her grey uniform, with peaks showing, and wearing her grey peaked hat over her short dark hair. She is smiling as she is handing sterilized equipment through the opened sliding window of the sterilizing room. The Sister receiving the equipment is to the left in the next room. She is wearing her grey uniform coat and peaked hat over her short dark curled hair, and is standing against a row of cupboards with their bench top at the level of the sliding window. To her right, a rectangular metal basket sits on the bench top; a white drape is in the basket and another to its right. A four pronged walking stick stands on the floor to her right hand side. At the rear left a small table is against the wall with a small grey square tapering rubbish bin beneath it. The edge of the open door can be seen on the far left. In the foreground some of the cupboards, and part of a wall with an electric switch can be seen.Photographer's stamp. Quote No. GX 6 Handwritten informationmelbourne district nursing service, mdns, royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns equipment, sterilizing, rdns centre -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, 19 06 1969
... RDNS Centre, and in turn the attending District Sister wrote ...Sister Gibbs is liaising with Dr. Gibbs to discuss his patients who are attended by RDNS.Liaison had occurred between doctors and the Trained 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), Sisters, but also for the patients and the hospitals. In August 1964 a Liaison Officer commenced at the Alfred Hospital. This soon increased to Liaison Officers working full time at several Public Hospitals. At the time of a patient’s discharge, the Liaison Sister forwarded information on their diagnosis and instructions regarding the care required at home to the appropriate RDNS Centre, and in turn the attending District Sister wrote a report of progress and any queries to the hospital doctor, via the Liaison sister, at the time the patient was attending outpatients. Any new instructions were then sent back to the District sister. Liaising also occurred between District field staff and Doctors when patients were referred by General Practitioners and did not attend a hospital.On the left of this black and white photograph is Sister Melanie Gibbs of the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). To her right is Dr. L.B. Witts who is wearing glasses; has short dark hair and is wearing a grey suit, white shirt and dark tie; he has a stethoscope around his neck with the end on his lap. He is sitting 'side on' at the end of a low cabinet with three drawers seen.and is turned toward Sister Gibbs. His right arm and hand are resting on an open book on the top of the cabinet. Sr. Gibbs, who has dark curled hair, is wearing her grey RDNS uniform coat with the RDNS insignia on the upper sleeve, and peaked hat. She is seated 'side on' in the photograph facing Dr. Witts. Her dark leather rectangular shaped case, with RDNS written in the top third, is resting on Dr. Witts' low cabinet. On the left in the background sit a set of four light grey metal drawers above a set of dark drawers and part of an open Venetian blind over a window is to the right.Photographer's Stamp. Quote No. HN 47melbourne district nursing society, mdns, royal district nursing service, rdns, patient care, rdns liaison, sister melanie gibbs, dr l.b. witts -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, colour, 01 03 1985
The Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sisters are using a hoist to transfer a lady who has limited mobility into her wheelchair. The photograph is taken in the lady's home. From the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), in 1885, known as the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1966, equipment was loaned and demonstrated to patients, and their family members, to enable them to care for their loved ones in their home. RDNS employed a Physiotherapist who taught RDNS staff the correct transferring techniques. New lifting techniques, such as the use of a hoist, was taught to RDNS staff and were used in patient's homes to undertake safe transfer of the patient and to reduce physical strain on RDNS nursing staff and family members. The Trained 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 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.Coloured photograph showing Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister Helen Pelosi on the left hand side. She has short dark hair; is wearing a a light blue apron over her RDNS uniform, and is moving a lady in a hoist to a wheelchair. Another RDNS Sister, who has short blonde hair, is wearing her RDNS uniform of Royal blue V neck tunic style frock, with part of her white blouse seen and a navy blue cardigan. She has her right arm extended towards the top of a hoist. The lady is laughing and is suspended in a sling attached to the metal hoist. Around her neck is a white scarf with blue dots which is hanging over her red jumper. She is wearing a blue dress and long dark socks. Both her hands are extended upward holding onto the metal cross bar of the hoist. Part of a wheelchair is seen in the left foreground. Open long gold curtains with voile curtains in the centre can be seen in the background.royal district nursing service, rdns, patient care, rdns equipment, sister helen pelosi -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, coloured, c.1985
This white Toyota Corolla is one of the fleet of cars driven by Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sisters to visit patients in the community to administer nursing care. 1985 was the centenary of the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society; founded in 1885; the Society was given Royal patronage in 1966 and became the Royal District Nursing Service. The Coat of Arms shown on the car was granted by the College of Arms in London in 1970. Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) has had various modes of transport over the last 130 plus years. At first, from 1885 as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), their Trained nurses (Nurses) walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded public transport was used, and bicycles were bought by the Society in 1903 and used in inner areas until 1945. During the Spanish flu epidemic, in 1919, MDNS appealed for assistance to procure Motor vehicles so the Nurses could visit an influx of cases. Through trusts, grants and donations four 'Ford T Model' cars were procured which enabled the Nurses to triple their visits. Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state two were sold in 1922 and the others later. In 1922-23 three Peugeot cars were purchased and a woman Chauffeur, 'Miss Sword', was employed who lived in the Home and was also in charge of the garage. MDNS was expanding and a Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take the Trained nurses (Sisters) to patients, and some Sisters used their own cars; even a motorcycle was used by one Sister in 1933. All these forms of transport were intermingled and in the early 1950s, and now as Melbourne District Nursing Service, seven Ford Prefect cars were bought followed by twelve Ford Anglia cars 1955. Having received Royal patronage; the now Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own fleet of Holden vehicles by the mid 1960s and the Motor Auxiliary ceased operating in 1971 as by then all staff employed were required to have a driving licence. Seat-belts had been introduced to Victoria in 1959 and District fitted them to their cars from 1962, even though they did not become compulsory until 1970. The Holden vehicles were replaced with grey Holden Torana vehicles. After several years the fleet was changed to white Toyota Corolla vehicles. The Melways Directory of maps was introduced in 1966, which was a boon to the Sisters, though it was a few years before it went beyond Seville, so a large paper map was used by the Sisters visiting patients in the areas passed Seville. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the Sisters travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. Coloured photograph of the side on view of a Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS).white Toyota Corolla sedan displaying the RDNS Coat of Arms on the upper centre of the front door. The car is the same width all over and the flat bonnet joins to a sloping large front windscreen. on the side, at the level of the windscreen are two windows, above the metal body work of both doors. The roof runs from the top of the windscreen to the rear of the vehicle where it joins with a short back window which sits above a short boot. Part of the front grill and headlights either side of it are seen, and a bumper bar below this. A black tyred wheel with solid hub cap is seen under a wheel arch in the body work, at the front and rear of the vehicle.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns crest, rdns transport -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, colour, c.1975
... Health Aides were employed and worked in RDNS Centres under ...This photograph is taken in Mrs. McDonald's home and she is reading information provided to her by Sister Faye Cook of the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) who is visiting to provide her with nursing care. Written communication is required between Mrs. McDonald and Sr. Cook. Sisters from the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) used various means to communicate with their patients who had various health conditions. Sometimes this was by written word, using interpreters or using digital devices. The RDNS Education department wrote instructions for patients to follow for various conditions and treatments to assist them in their care. The attending Sister discussed the instructions and left the leaflet with the patient. Examples of instruction included on how to sterilize dressings and equipment in the home and another giving information and instructions on diabetic care.. Education was an integral part of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, later, in 1966, called Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS). From 1885, only Trained Nurses (Nurses) who trained through the Hospital training system were employed by the Society, and on visits to patients they taught the necessity of hygiene and cleanliness, as well as the need for a good diet, to bring about good health. Doctor’s lectures were later given at the MDNS home to instruct patients and their families on prevention of disease. Education to patients continued throughout the years regarding health care and the use of equipment in the home. In 1961, Education programs commenced at MDNS with their Trained nurses (Sisters) receiving In-service education. Sr. Pat (Paddy) Rowley was a leader in this In-service Education and established the MDNS, later called RDNS, Department of Community Nursing Education in 1962. Staff could also apply for scholarships to further their education outside of RDNS. Many of their senior Sisters received Postgraduate diplomas from the College of Nursing in Community Health Nursing, Education, and Administration, and several travelled overseas visiting nursing organizations viewing their public health and district nursing systems. Many programs were run at RDNS, including: a Post Basic Course, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nursing, Haematology/Oncology Nursing, Palliative Care program, Diabetic Stabilization Program, Leg Ulcer Management Program, Wound Care Specialist Program, HIV/AIDS Nursing Care, Cystic Fibrosis Home Support, Veterans Home Care Program, Breast Cancer Support Program, Continence Management Program, Stomal Therapy Program, In-Home Lactation Support Program and the Homeless Persons Program. RDNS staff attended several hospitals to observe and learn special care needed to some clients, e.g. to the Austin Hospital to learn the care required for paraplegic and quadriplegic clients at home, and to Mount Royal Hospital to observe the care of clients in the Rehabilitation ward. A Community Nursing Education Program was extended to student nurses from hospitals and to other nursing organizations. These Education programs kept the RDNS Sisters abreast of new techniques, such as changes in technology for e.g. new testing methods in detecting glucose levels in Diabetic patients. Sr. Nan Deakin did a Post Basic Course in Psychiatric Nursing and included this area in her education lectures. Sr. Daphne Geldard specialized in the area of Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. These Sisters visited patients in District areas with the regular RDNS Sister when required. Every member of staff, both professional and non professional staff, received regular education in the Education Department. In 1980, a Home Health Aide pilot study, funded by the Federal Government, the Brotherhood of St. Laurence and RDNS, with the program written and taught by Sr. Rowley, was evaluated as successful, and Home Health Aides were employed and worked in RDNS Centres under the supervision of the RDNS Registered Nurses. Coloured photograph of Sister Faye Cook of the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), sitting with Mrs McDonald who is reading the top page of a white writing pad. On the left, sitting 'side on' looking at Mrs McDonald, is Sister Cook who has short dark hair, and is wearing her pale blue RDNS apron over her RDNS royal blue V neck tunic style frock which is over her short sleeve white blouse; she is wearing blue stockings. She is seated on a striped low stool in Mrs. McDonald's room. Mrs.McDonald is to her right, and is seated in a bone and brown patterned lounge chair with wooden arms. She has a bone coloured wrap over her hair, and is wearing a dark brown V neck jumper over a deep pink frock. She is hoding a magnifying glass in her right hand and is reading information on a white writing pad which she is holding in her left hand. In the rear of the photograph is a gas type fire set into a fireplace. A white cupboard with a drawer is seen to the right hand side. The wall behind is vertical boards.Red coloured 'Kodak' stamps. Handwritten information.royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns education, mrs mcdonald, sister faye cook -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, c.1960
A Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) Sister is giving nursing care to a lady in her own home. The Sister is wearing the grey uniform dress of that era under her gown. Her grey beret has a red Maltese cross applied to its centre front. The Trained nurses of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later known as Melbourne District Nursing Service and from 1966 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 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.Black and white photograph of a Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS), Sister attending a lady in the bedroom of her home. The Sister, who is smiling, is wearing a white gown over her grey uniform with part of the collar visible, and her grey uniform beret over her short dark hair. She is standing to the right of the bed looking at the lady, and has her right arm extended touching the pillow on the bed. With her other hand she is holding the right hand of the lady. The lady, who is smiling, has short dark swept back hair and is lying on her left side against two pillows on the bed; she is covered with light coloured bed coverings, A metal type, pale colour with dark rim, wash basin is sitting on a white wooden chair to the front of the Sister. A towel is hanging over the back of the chair. On the bottom left of the bed is a magazine with the word 'Woman' and below this a picture of a cat, on its cover. A small table with a lamp on it is behind the Sister and part of a concertina door to her rear right.Photographer Stamp. Quote No. 2568melbourne district nursing service, mdns, mdns patient care -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, c.1980
... of the RDNS cars were housed at each Centre, only a few being driven ...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 -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, c.1980
... to the appropriate RDNS Centre, and in turn the attending District sister ...This photograph is taken in a Hospital. RDNS Liaison Officer, Sister Pat Holdsworth is giving the hospital patient, who was to be seen by RDNS District staff on his discharge, a leaflet explaining what to expect at the time of the first RDNS visit. Sr. Hodsworth is wearing the RDNS summer uniform of that era, which was a white blouse worn under a royal blue V neck tunic style frock with the RDNS insignia emblazoned on the upper left.Liaison had occurred between doctors and the nurses of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885. This increased when Midwifery was introduced in 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), nursing staff, but also for the patients and the hospitals. In August 1964 a Liaison Officer commenced at the Alfred Hospital. This soon increased to Liaison Officers working full time at several Public Hospitals. At the time of a patient’s discharge, the Liaison Sister forwarded information on their diagnosis and instructions regarding the care required at home to the appropriate RDNS Centre, and in turn the attending District sister wrote a report of progress and any queries to the hospital doctor, via the Liaison sister, at the time the patient was attending outpatients. Any new instructions were then sent back to the District sister. Liaising also occurred between District field staff and Doctors when patients were referred by General Practitioners and did not attend a hospital.Standing on the left of the black and white photograph is a Hospital Sister, with her dark hair drawn up, and wearing her white uniform and white cap, To her right is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister Pat Holdsworth, who has short wavy hair; is wearing glasses, and wearing a V neck tunic style frock over a short sleeve white blouse.. She is holding a paper in her left hand which is extended over the side rail on a patient's bed. Her right arm is also extended over the bed rail and she is pointing out information on the paper to the gentleman patient who is sitting up in bed. The man has blonde shoulder length hair and is wearing a light coloured long sleeve striped gown.. His hands are resting on the white bed covers and his left wrist is bandaged. The bed has bed rails attached on each side. Another hospital staff member, a lady with dark hair who is wearing a white hospital style coat, is on the right hand side of the bed with her arms resting on the right hand bed rail..melbourne district nursing society, mdns, royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns liaison, melbourne district nursing service, sister pat holdsworth -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, colour, c.1980
Sister McLean is attending a function in the RDNS Board room at 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. She worked in RDNS Headquarters. The RDNS insignia on the upper left of her uniform tunic has the words "Royal District Nursing Service" written in white in the blue circle. Across the centre of the circle are two clasping hands depicted in yellow..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). Their Committee meetings were held at the Religious Tract Society Rooms, No 3 Queen's walk, off Swanston Street and later at the Library Room in the Melbourne Town Hall. The Annual General Meetings were held in the Town Hall. 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 Trained nurses (Nurse) 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 nurses, 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 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 where they remained for ten years. In June 1914 at last the Society had sufficient funding to purchase their own terraced premises, ‘Floraston’ 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood which was their Headquarters and Nurses Home. In 1926 the After-Care Home for recovering patients, (later called After-Care Hospital) was built by the Society next door, running from 41-47 Victoria Parade (became No. 45); the District nurses continued to live at No. 39. In November 1953 the District Nursing Division moved into their new Headquarters and Nurses Home at 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne but as the Service expanded into the suburbs Centres were opened and their Trained nurses (Sisters) worked from home, so the Nurses Home section of 452 was closed and turned into more administrative areas. In 1996 Headquarters were relocated to 31 Alma Road, St. Kilda.Coloured photograph of the upper view of Sister Kath McLean of the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) who has short straight dark hair and is smiling as she sits holding a cake on a white plate. She is wearing her RDNS winter uniform; a grey skivvie under a blue/grey herringbone woolen V neck tunic style frock with a central zip. On its upper left It has the RDNS insignia of a round blue circle with writing on it, surrounded on either side by white swept up feathers towards the central crown above the circle. Under this is her name plate and a gold coloured medal. A pen is clipped into the left hand V neck section of the frock. rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns winter uniform, rdns board room, rdns headquarters, kath mclean -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, colour, c.1980
... Service (RDNS), Sisters who are standing in a room - left to right ...The RDNS Sisters are attending a functions being held in the Board Room at RDNS Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Road in Melbourne.From its founding in 1885 until 1891 the trained nurses of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) worked from their own homes which were located in the vicinity of their areas (districts). The Committee meetings were held at the Religious Tract Society rooms at Queen’s walk, off Swanston Street and then at the Library Room at the Melbourne Town Hall. The Annual General Meeting was held at the Town Hall. 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 Trained nurses (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 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 where they remained for ten years. In June 1914 at last the Society had sufficient funds to purchase their own terraced premises, ‘Floraston’ 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood which was their Headquarters and Nurses Home. In 1926 the After-Care Home for recovering patients, (later called After-Care Hospital) was built by the Society next door, running from 41-47 Victoria Parade (became No. 45); the District nurses continued to live at No. 39. In November 1953 the District Nursing Division moved into their new Headquarters and Nurses Home at 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. As RDNS expanded with Centres now opening throughout the suburbs, their Trained nurses (Sisters) lived in their own homes and the Nurses Home at 452 closed and the rooms used for administrative purposes. On April the 1st 1996 RDNS Head Office relocated to 31 Alma Road, St. Kilda.Colour photograph of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sisters who are standing in a room - left to right - .....Pat (Paddy) Rowley, with short brown hair and wearing glasses, Kath McLean, with short dark hair, Betty Harris, who is wearing glasses and with short brown curly hair and on the far right Ruth May, wearing glasses and with short dark hair, Sister May and the unknown Sister on the far left hand side, are wearing the RDNS summer uniform of a white blouse under a V neck royal blue tunic style frock. The three Sisters in the centre of the photograph are wearing the RDNS winter uniform of blue/grey skivvies under their blue/grey herringbone woollen V neck tunic style frocks. The RDNS insignia is on the upper left of the uniforms. Opened gold long curtains are in the background, along with three wooden chairs which have green backs and seats. The chairs are partly hidden by the standing Sisters. A vase of plumed feather flowers is behind Sr. Harris. Part of a white clothed table, with silver cutlery and white plates on it, is the the foreground.rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns uniform, rdns headquarters, sister ruth may, sister kath mclean, sister pat (paddy) rowley, sister betty harris