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

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

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

This photograph was taken just a few years after the District division of the 'Melbourne District Nursing Society and After Care Hospital' separated in 1957. The District Division then became known as 'Melbourne District Nursing Service'. They moved into their Headquarters at 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne which was used as the Nurses Home as well as for Administrative purposes. The Sisters left from there each day to do their rounds and returned to do their book work before retiring at the end of the day. This photograph depicts the winter uniform worn at this time; a grey felt beret which had a red Maltese cross attached in the centre; a grey cotton frock and red cardigan, and a grey woolen coat, some with a grey belt, worn over their uniform.In 1885, 50 years after Melbourne was founded, it was recognized that nursing care was needed for the sick poor in inner Melbourne. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), the first Society of its kind in Australia, was founded in February 1885 with one Trained nurse (Nurse), and a second employed six months later, working in the now CBD ie. from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care. They provided high quality trained 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 and dressings, and supplying equipment on loan, such as feeding mugs, bedpans, air-cushions, splints, bed cradles feeding mugs and providing clean bed linen and nightdresses as necessary. Trained midwives began home births in August 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. The Society were pioneers in recognizing the need for premises where patients too ill to be in their own home, but not ill enough to go to hospital, was needed, and the Society built, then opened, the After-Care Home, (later called After-Care Hospital), in 1926, for their patients, and patients from Hospitals. Many children were nursed there, some long term during the Polio epidemic; the Society employed two School Teachers. The Society now ran two divisions, the After-Care with its own Trained nurses (Sisters) and nurses and the District division. The Society were the first in Melbourne, in early 1928, to recognize some patients leaving the After-Care, and many at home, needed further social care and they set up ‘Almoners’ from their Committee to visit these patients and be intermediaries in getting them social assistance. It was late the following year before the first training of Almoners took place in Melbourne. In 1930 the Society employed a full time kindergarten teacher to visit poor children in their homes. That year the Society were pioneers in opening an Ante-Natal Clinic at the After-Care, setting a high standard with equipment, keeping records and providing leaflets with instructions in how to keep healthy during pregnancy, what complications to look for and what to do when labour commenced. In 1934 the Society were pioneers again when they opened the first Women’s Welfare Clinic in Melbourne giving advice on birth-control, at first attended by their own patients, but then accepting patients from public hospitals until their own clinics were opened. A Social Service Officer was employed at the After-Care who successfully gained better housing from the Housing Commission for families living under unsuitable conditions. In 1957 the Hospital and Charities Commission decided to take over the After-Care Hospital, so the 'Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Hospital' separated and the 'Melbourne District Nursing Service' was formed, setting up Headquarters at 452 St. Kilda Road. Royal patronage was granted in 1966, now becoming the Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS). Liaison with public hospitals began with a District nurse attached to a hospital visiting patients before going home. Education continued to be at the forefront of District with research by RDNS Educators and programs being implemented. 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 Amputees, 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 seven (some partly hidden) Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) Sisters wearing full winter uniform of grey berets and grey long coats, with lapels, over their uniform which is partly seen on one Sister. Some are on a path, and others walking to the open metal gate; one Sister is between two tall, square, dark grey concrete columns. Looking at the photograph, two Sisters have turned left onto the footpath. These two Sisters are carrying oblong leather type bags in their left hand and the Sister between the columns is carrying a white soft material type bag. The Sisters seen have short dark hair under their berets. White plaques with the black numbers '452' are attached to the top 1/3 of each column and an arched grey concrete fence with brick top runs to the left. Behind this are two medium size leafless trees. A metal spiked fence runs from the column to the right of the photograph. Attached to this, near the column, is a white plaque with 'Melbourne District Nursing Service Headquarters' written in black. In the rear is a light grey two story Italian style building with a polygon shaped bay window to the left on the ground floor. It has a long window in the front and another on the side. To the right of this is a veranda with two concrete arches, separated by a roman column. A door can be seen behind the first arch. Above the bay window on the second story are three long arched windows, and to the right of that an arched opening with a roman column separating the partially seen next window. A concrete balustrade is seen at the front of the second story.melbourne district nursing service, headquarters, mdns, nurses, nurses uniforms, royal district nursing service, rdns

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

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

The demonstration is being carried out in the bathroom at RDNS Headquarter, 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. The Sisters are wearing their grey RDNS uniforms and red cardigans of that era. From the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in 1885, known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1966, the rehabilitation of patients to insure they were able to live independently in their own homes was at the forefront of care given by their Trained nurses. As well as teaching and supervising the use of equipment, their Trained nurses taught them safe transfer techniques. These techniques were also taught to family members to enable them to care for their loved ones. RDNS at first held workshops given by a contracted private Physiotherapist before employing their own Physiotherapist in 1975 who taught staff the correct techniques, not only for safety of the patient, but to reduce physical strain on RDNS nursing staff and patient’s family members. When required the Physiotherapist accompanied the Sister on her visit to the patient in their home.staff to be trained in techniques by RDNS Physiotherapists.Black and white photograph showing a safety technique demonstration. Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister Liz Thomson, with her hair drawn back, is wearing a white gown over her uniform and is being transferred by Sister Betty McDonald, dark short curled hair. She has her arms extended supporting Sr. Thomson onto a bath seat. Sister Thomson has her left leg over the bath and the wooden bath seat can be seen positioned in the upper section of a white bath. Sister Joanne Wilkinson, who has short straight dark hair is on the right observing. Both Sr. McDonald and Sr. Wilkinson are wearing their RDNS uniforms of a dark cardigan over a grey frock. A white tiled wall with a strip of dark tiles is behind the bath.with metal piping attached to the right tiled wall and running to taps over the bath. A window is seen to the left of the tiled wall. Photographers stamp and Quote No. GW 8royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns education, equipment, liz thomson, betty mcdonald, joanne wilkinson

Sister Rignall is undergoing In-service education at RDNS and is wearing the grey RDNS uniform of that era.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 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 nurses 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 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. 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. Black and white photograph showing Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister J. Rignall using the Library facilities at RDNS. Sister Rignall has short curly hair and is wearing her short sleeve grey uniform frock; the RDNS insignia is seen at the top of her left sleeve. She is standing and looking down at a book she is holding. Shelves of library books are seen running behind her on her left hand side.Photographers Stamp and Quote No. GW 94melbourne district nursing society, mdns, royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns education, rdns library, sister j. rignall

Mr. Bralsford,the Transport Manager at Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), is instructing RDNS staff in the responsibilities of driving an RDNS vehicle. The Sisters were undergoing a Post Basic Course given by RDNS Educators, Car maintenance was necessary from 1937 when a car was donated by the Rotary Club to Melbourne District Nursing Society, (MDNS). Another car was donated, by General Motors-Holden, via the Duchess of Gloucester, in 1947, and the fleet began to grow from 1950 with seven Ford Prefects being provided by the Hospital and Charities Commission. For many years Melford Motors in South Melbourne maintained the MDNS fleet, until the fleet grew to the point of, the now named, Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) providing its own Car Maintenance Division to service the cars regularly. The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria, (RACV), attended any breakdowns which occurred when nursing staff were on the road. Each new Sister employed by the Service was taken out for a driving test before she drove a District car. 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; 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 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. 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 did the Warburton and Powelltown area worked off a large paper map. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the Sisters travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. Black and white photograph showing Mr. Bralsford instructing RDNS staff. In the left foreground is Sister (Sr) Liz Thomson who has her dark hair drawn back, is looking down at a piece of white paper resting on the arm of the wooden chair on which she is sitting. In front of her are the back views of Sr. Betty McDonald with curled dark hair and to her right is Sister Joanne Wilkinson. Mr. Bralsford, who has short dark hair; is wearing glasses, and wearing a grey coat, is standing in front of them pointing to a blackboard with his extended left arm and hand. He is looking down, and has his right hand on a piece of white paper on a desk. A strip heater is high on the left hand wall.Photographers stamp and Quote No. GW 101royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns transport, rdns education, melford motors, racv, sister liz thomson, sister betty mcdonald, sister joanne wilkinson, mr bralsford

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

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

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

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

The Sister is supporting the elderly lady as she takes her for a walk on her veranda. The RDNS winter uniform at that time was a blue/grey skivvie worn under a V neck, tunic style, blue/grey herringbone winter material frock. The RDNS insignia is on the upper left of the frock.From the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in 1885, known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1966, the rehabilitation of patients to insure they were able to live independently in their own homes was at the forefront of care given by their Trained nurses (Sisters). As well as teaching and supervising the use of equipment, the Sisters taught them safe transfer techniques. These techniques were also taught to family members to enable them to care for their loved ones. In the 1970s RDNS employed a Physiotherapist who taught staff the correct techniques, not only for safety of the patient, but to reduce physical strain on RDNS nursing staff and patient’s family membersOn the left of the black and white photograph is a Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister, who has short dark curly hair and is wearing her RDNS winter uniform of a light coloured skivvie under a V neck tunic style frock, standing with an elderly lady on the wooden veranda of her home. The lady, who has short white hair, is wearing a dark buttoned up cardigan over a floral frock, The lady has her right arm hooked through the left arm of the Sister, who is clasping the ladies hand. The Sister is looking to the left at the lady, and the lady is looking to the front. The weatherboard wall of her house is seen in the background. Part of a chair and small table are on the far front left of the photograph.Type written informationroyal district nursing service, rdns, rdns rehabilitation

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

The occasion of the photograph is unknown, but it depicts a group of Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) Sisters with Matron Tupper. She is wearing the Matron uniform of a white frock and veil and a red cape. The Sisters are wearing their grey MDNS uniforms and one is wearing a uniform red cardigan. The Sisters peaked hats have a red Maltese cross applied in the centre front.From its foundation in 1885 the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), were instrumental in giving nursing care to patients in their own homes, and to assist them if they had financial problems or resided in poor living conditions. Miss Dorothy Tupper who, as a Trained nurse, had undertaken a course in hospital housekeeping at London Prince of Wales Hospital, was contacted by MDNS in 1939 and, possessing both business and humanitarian qualities, was asked to organize their newly established Social Service Department. As the MDNS Social Service Sister, she assessed the living conditions in patient's homes. She continued in this role until being appointed Matron of the Society's District Nursing division in 1941; a role she continued in until her retirement at the end of 1962.Black and white photograph of a group of seven Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) Sisters and Matron Tupper with two men and four ladies standing in two rows in front of a brick house which has a tiled roof. To the left in the back row is a gentlemen with dark hair, who is wearing a dark suit, then two MDNS Sisters, next is a lady who is wearing glasses and is dressed in a light colour coat and hat. To her right is a tall MDNS Sister wearing dark rimmed glasses, then a lady with dark curly hair looking over the shoulder of a man with grey hair who is wearing a dark suit; on his right is Matron Tupper, who is wearing her white nursing uniform, her dark cape, and white veil over her short dark curled hair. In the left front is a Sister; to her right is a lady with dark curly hair and wearing a light coloured coat over a dark skirt and jumper; then a lady with blonde curly hair who is wearing a dark coat over her light dress and is carrying a handbag. Three Sisters are to her right - the end one is wearing glasses and a dark cardigan over her grey uniform frock The other MDNS Sisters in the group are wearing their grey uniform coats over their partly seen grey uniforms. All the MDNS Sisters are wearing grey uniform peaked hats. A three storey building is to the left rear of the photograph and and parts of three other buildings behind and to the right of the house.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns social service department, mdns matron, matron dorothy tupper

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

This photograph shows a Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) Sister is visiting the lady in her own home and is giving medication in the form of an injection which has been ordered by a Doctor. The Sisters is wearing her grey cotton uniform frock under her white gown and her grey peaked hat. The Trained nurses (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 Trained nurses (Sisters) provided is as follows: – Post-Natal care given to mother and babe, Wound Care following various types of surgery, accidents, burns, cancer, leg ulcers etc. Supervising and teaching Diabetic Care, including teaching and supervising people with Diabetes to administer their own Insulin, and administering Insulin to those unable to give their own injections. Administering other injections and setting up weekly medication boxes. The Sisters performed Catheterizations on adults suffering from conditions such as Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Guillan-Barre Syndrome, and when required at school on children for e.g. those with Spina Bifida. The Sisters visited those requiring Cystic Fibrosis support and care; those requiring Haemo-Oncology care, including visiting children at school; those requiring Home Enteral Feeding care, and those requiring IV therapy at home and home Dialysis. Palliative Care was given including pain relief with the use of syringe drivers, personal care as needed, and advice and support to both patient and family. The Sisters provided Stoma management to those needing Urostomy, Ileostomy and Colostomy care and those requiring Continence care. HIV/AIDS nursing care was provided; visits to Homeless Persons were made. Personal care was given to patients ranging in age and with varying mobility problems, such as those with MS, MND, Guillan-Barre Syndrome, Poliomyelitis, Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Acquired Brain Injury, to those following a Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke), those with severe Arthritis and those with a form of Dementia. When necessary the elderly were assisted with personal care and advice given on safety factors with the use of hand rails, bath or shower seats, and hand showers. Rehabilitation with an aim towards independence remained at the forefront of the Sister’s minds and when possible using aids and instruction on safe techniques enabled the person to become fully independent. All care included giving advice and support to the patient and their Carers. The Sisters liaised with the persons Doctor, Hospital and allied Health personal when necessary.Black and white photograph showing a Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS), Sister on the left of the photograph giving an injection into the upper right arm of a lady. On the right of the photograph is an elderly lady who is sitting on a chair, she has white short curly hair; is wearing glasses and wearing a black and white patterned dress. Her head is turned to her right and she is smiling at the Sister.as she holds up the sleeve of her dress with her left hand. The MDNS Sister, who is wearing her uniform peaked grey hat over her short blond hair and wearing a white gown over her grey uniform with peaks just seen, is smiling at the lady. In both hands she.is holding a glass and metal syringe; the needle is inserted in the lady's arm.Photographer stamprdns, royal district nursing service, melbourne district nursing service, mdns, mdns patient care - injection

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

RDNS Sister Pilmore is visiting a babe and mother to administer Post Natal nursing care and give health advice. 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.On the left of the black and white photograph is the side on view of a seated Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister Kaye Pilmore, who is visiting a mother and her babe in their home. On the right the mother, who is seated, has dark shoulder length straight hair, and is wearing a white sleeveless frock. She is looking at the Sister while she holds her dark haired baby on her knee. The babe is wearing a light coloured top. Sister, Pilmore who has dark short straight hair, is wearing her RDNS summer uniform of a white short sleeve blouse under a dark V neck tunic style frock with the RDNS insignia on the upper left. She is holding a pen in her left hand. Closed checked long curtains are seen in the background of the photograph. The partial dark haired head of another person can be seen in the left hand side foreground.. G 155 is stamped in green inkrdns, royal district nursing service, rdns patient care, sister kaye pilmore, rdns domiciliary infant and maternal care (dimc)

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

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

The photograph is taken at a function in the Board Room of RDNS Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. Miss Mary Evans was the RDNS Director of Nursing from 1963-1978,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). 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 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 (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. As RDNS expanded and now, with Centres opening throughout the suburbs, the Sisters lived in their own homes and the Nurses Home at 452 closed and those rooms used for administrative purposes. On April the 1st 1996 RDNS Head Office relocated to 31 Alma Road, St. Kilda. Coloured photograph taken at a function in a room at Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). It shows, left to right, Sister Bev Armstrong, who has short blonde hair, Miss Mary Evans, who has short curled brown hair and another RDNS Sister who has short dark hair. The two RDNS Sisters are wearing the RDNS summer uniform of a white blouse under a royal blue V neck tunic style dress with the RDNS insignia on the left hand side. Miss Evans, is wearing a long dark coat. The three are smiling and the Sister on the right is looking at Miss Evans who is turned slightly and has part of her right arm resting over the top of the back of the chair. They are sitting in front of a window and opened gold long curtains. A tree is seen through the window. Both RDNS Sisters have cups in their hands.royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns headquarters, miss mary evans, sister bev armstrong

This photograph shows some of the information documents displayed on boards during an Education session on Palliative Care run by the Royal District Nursing Service Education Department.Education was an integral part of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, later, in 1966, called Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS). From 1885, only Trained Nurses (Nurses), through the Hospital training system, were employed by the Society, and on visits to patients they taught the necessity of hygiene and cleanliness, as well as the need for a good diet, to bring about good health. Doctor’s lectures were later given at the MDNS home to instruct patients and their families on prevention of disease. Education to patients continued throughout the years regarding health care and the use of equipment in the home. In 1961, Education programs commenced at MDNS with their Trained nurses (Sisters) receiving In-service education. Sr. Pat (Paddy) Rowley was a leader in In-service Education and established the RDNS Department of Community Nursing Education in 1962. Staff could also apply for scholarships to further their education outside of RDNS. Many of their senior Sisters received Postgraduate diplomas from the College of Nursing in Community Health Nursing, Education, and Administration and several travelled overseas visiting nursing organizations viewing their public health and district nursing systems. At RDNS many programs were run, including: a Post Basic Course, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nursing, Haematology/Oncology Nursing, Palliative Care program, Diabetic Stabilization Program, Leg Ulcer Management Program, Wound Care Specialist Program, HIV/AIDS Nursing Care, Cystic Fibrosis Home Support, Veterans Home Care Program, Breast Cancer Support Program, Continence Management Program, Stomal Therapy Program, In-Home Lactation Support Program and the Homeless Persons Program. RDNS staff attended several hospitals to observe and learn special care needed to some 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 SistersColoured photograph of a Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister standing in front of a Palliative Nursing Display board. The board has a white banner across the top with the dark blue words 'Royal District Nursing Service' written in capital letters. There are several light coloured background posters displayed on the large dark coloured display board. The Sister, who has her dark hair drawn up, is wearing a RDNS blue and white patterned blouse and short sleeve V neck dark blue jumper with a name badge attached on the upper left. The Sister is holding.a white sheet of paper. Part of a red covered table is seen in front of her. A mid green board with documents attached to it is behind and to the right of the Sister. Behind this is a pale green wall with part of a bench and two large windows showing a room beyond.royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns palliative care nursing, rdns education

Two Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sisters are assisting a young male patient who has a movement disorder, to change position in his reclined chair.The Trained nurses (Nurses) of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), visited patients in their home and gave best practice care in many fields of nursing, and to people of many cultures, throughout its 130 years of expansion. Initial visits not only assessed the specific nursing situation but the situation as a whole. Their patients ranged in age from babes, children, adults to the elderly and referrals were taken from Hospitals, General Practitioners and allied Health facilities. Some of the care the Trained nurse (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.A coloured photograph showing two Royal District Nursing (RDNS) Sisters with a young male patient who is lying in a reclined chair. The Sister standing on his left is smiling; she has short straight dark hair, and is wearing a RDNS light blue apron over her royal blue dress and darker blue long sleeve cardigan. The Sister on the right hand side of the patient's chair is laughing. She has blonde hair and is slightly bent over the chair as her left hand is supporting his left leg. She is wearing the RDNS summer uniform of the day - a white short sleeve blouse under a royal blue V neck tunic style frock. Her right arm is bent and resting on top of the patient's chair and pillow. The young man has short dark hair and is smiling and looking towards the left of the photograph. He is wearing a dark blue long sleeve top and his right arm is extended toward the Sister on the left hand side of the photograph. His legs are over his coverings with his left leg bent at the knee. He is wearing light coloured pants and has a pink and white striped slipper on his foot. His pillow is white, and coverings seen are blue and white check, white, and a pale pink sheepskin. A wood board wall is in the background. A vase of flowers are standing on the part of a round low table that can be seen in the right hand rear corner. A pale lilac wall can be seen on the right hand side. A small section of a dark patterned carpet can be seen.royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns uniform, rdns patient care

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

This photograph is showing a procedure performed by an RDNS Sister in the home of an elderly lady.Education was an integral part of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) from its inception in 1885, later called Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS). Only Trained 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. In 1961 Education programs commenced at MDNS with Sisters receiving In-service education. Staff could also apply for scholarships to further their education outside of RDNS. 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, 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 a Community Nursing Education Program extended to student nurses from hospitals and to other nursing organizations. 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.This Black and white photograph is showing Sister Liddalow, of the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), linking up a home dialysis unit into the left arm of an elderly lady. The lady who wears glasses and has wavy hair, is wearing a white nightdress with lace at the neck and down the centre front. Her left arm is resting on top of a surgical cover and she is clenching her left fist and has a tourniquet above her elbow. She is sitting against a flower patterned pillow on her bed watching the procedure. Sister Liddalow has short dark hair and is wearing a white gown over her uniform. She has a glove on her right hand and a syringe in her hand. In the left rear IV apparatus, with two syringes and a trolley on which a machine can be seen.date of photographroyal district nursing service, rdns, patient care - home dialysis, sister liddalow,

The RDNS Sister is from Camberwell Centre and is visiting the lady in her home where she is attending to wound care needed on the lady's left foot. She has already attended to the wound care required on the ladies right foot. The Sister had used a dressing tray which, contained a bowl for lotion, the forceps and swabs which had been sterilized at Camberwell Centre. Sterile dressing material had been used to clean and dress the wound. The scissors had been sterilized before use..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 the Leg Ulcer Management Program to provide their Sisters with methods of best quality care. They introduced RDNS Wound Care Specialists who did assessments and provided advice and support to the District nurses working in the field. The Sisters liaised with the patient’s doctors and hospitals to provide information on the progress of patient’s wounds and to receive any change of wound care from the Doctors. A black and white photograph showing a Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister looking down at the white wound dressing which is over the toes of an elderly lady's left foot. Her left hand is holding it, while her right hand is applying tape. The Sister has short, dark, curly hair and is wearing a white gown over her uniform. The lady has short, slightly curled, light grey hair and is wearing a light coloured patterned dressing gown over light coloured pyjamas. She is watching the procedure as she sits on a chair with her right hand bent up to rest near her ear. Both her legs are elevated and resting on a white surgical drape. There is also a white dressing over the toes of the lady's right foot. In the left foreground, part of a dressing tray, two forceps and a pair of scissors are seen on the sterile drape protruding from under the dressing tray..Handwritten 'Camberwell staff and patient'royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns patient care - wound dressing, rdns camberwell centre

The RDNS Sister is visiting a lady in her own home to take and record her blood pressure reading. The Sister will assess if these readings are within normal limits and relay these readings to the lady's Doctor as necessary. The RDNS uniform worn by the Sister is a white short sleeve blouse under a royal blue V neck tunic style dress and a dark blue cardigan. The Trained nurses (Nurses) of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), visited patients in their home and gave best practice care in many fields of nursing, and to people of many cultures, throughout its 130 years of expansion. Initial visits not only assessed the specific nursing situation but the situation as a whole. Their patients ranged in age from babes, children, adults to the elderly and referrals were taken from Hospitals, General Practitioners and allied Health facilities. Some of the care the RDNS Trained nurses (Sisters) provided is as follows: – Post-Natal care given to mother and babe, Wound Care following various types of surgery, accidents, burns, cancer, leg ulcers etc. Supervising and teaching Diabetic Care, including teaching and supervising people with Diabetes to administer their own Insulin, and administering Insulin to those unable to give their own injections. Administering other injections and setting up weekly medication boxes. The Sisters performed Catheterizations on adults suffering from conditions such as Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Guillan-Barre Syndrome, and when required at school on children for e.g. those with Spina Bifida. The Sisters visited those requiring Cystic Fibrosis support and care; those requiring Haemo-Oncology care, including visiting children at school; those requiring Home Enteral Feeding care, and those requiring IV therapy at home and home Dialysis. Palliative Care was given including pain relief with the use of syringe drivers, personal care as needed, and advice and support to both patient and family. The Sisters provided Stoma management to those needing Urostomy, Ileostomy and Colostomy care and those requiring Continence care. HIV/AIDS nursing care was provided; visits to Homeless Persons were made. Personal care was given to patients ranging in age and with varying mobility problems, such as those with MS, MND, Guillan-Barre Syndrome, Poliomyelitis, Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Acquired Brain Injury, to those following a Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke), those with severe Arthritis and those with a form of Dementia. When necessary the elderly were assisted with personal care and advice given on safety factors with the use of hand rails, bath or shower seats, and hand showers. Rehabilitation with an aim towards independence remained at the forefront of the Sister’s minds and when possible using aids and instruction on safe techniques enabled the person to become fully independent. All care included giving advice and support to the patient and their Carers. The Sisters liaised with the persons Doctor, Hospital and allied Health personal when necessary.A black and white photograph showing on the left, a Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister who has short dark curly hair and who has the ends of a stethoscope in her ears and with her left hand holding the other end below the blood pressure cuff on an elderly lady's extended right arm.. She is looking down at the blood pressure dial which is held in her right hand. The Sister is wearing her RDNS uniform of a white blouse, the peaked collar of which can be seen, under a darker V neck tunic style frock and a dark cardigan. The lady who has short grey curly hair, is watching the procedure. She is wearing a grey short sleeved frock with a broach at its neck and with dark long sleeves seen underneath. The lady is sitting in a patterned padded chair which has a carved wooden top. Long opened curtains with voile curtain in the centre can be see behind her. In the left background, part of a cabinet with ornaments can be seen, and in the left foreground part of a patterned lounge chair can be seen.royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns patient care - blood pressure check

The photograph is taken in a Hospital Physiotherapy Department. Anne Radford is the Physiotherapist at the Hospital and is teaching RDNS Liaison, Sister Short, the transfer technique required when transferring a patient who will be discharged home. This knowledge will be given to the RDNS Sister who will be attending to the patient in her home when she is discharged.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 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. They facilitated the smooth transition from hospital to home for many clients that required ongoing nursing care. Liaison Sisters regularly attended discharge planning meetings, interviewed prospective clients, co-ordinated discharge and booked the first visit by the visiting RDNS staff. At the time of a patient’s discharge, the Liaison Sister forwarded information on their diagnosis and instructions regarding the care required at home to the appropriate RDNS Centre, and in turn the attending District Sister wrote a report of progress and any queries to the hospital doctor, via the Liaison Sister, at the time the patient was attending outpatients. Any new instructions were then sent back to the District Sister. Liaising also occurred between District Sisters in the field and Doctors when patients were referred by General Practitioners and did not attend a hospital. RDNS also held Physiotherapy workshops for staff teaching safe transferring techniques. The Physiotherapist would visit the home of a patient with the attending Sister when required.On the left of the black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Liaison, Sister Margaret Short, and to her right is hospital Physiotherapist, Anne Radford, who is smiling at the patient. She has short dark hair and is wearing a white hospital coat. She is kneeling on a physiotherapy table behind, and assisting, a young patient to transfer. Sister Short, who has short dark hair and is wearing her RDNS, grey short sleeve uniform with the RDNS insignia seen at the top of the sleeve, and her grey peaked hat, is slightly bent over the physiotherapy table with her arms under the legs of the young patient.. The Physiotherapist has her hands under the patient's armpits. The patient, who has dark short hair and is wearing a long sleeve white top and check slacks, has her forearms through a transfer ring which is hanging from a thick rope. Her buttocks are just touching the dark covered physiotherapy table and the Sister is supporting her legs which are slightly raised off the table.. A row of crutches can be seen in the left rear of the photograph and a bar with some equipment hanging on it can be seen on the right rear behind the physiotherapy table..Photographer stamp. Handwritten information.royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns liaison, rdns uniform, sister margaret short, ms anne radford