Showing 261 items
matching midwifery
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Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
Joyce Ella Eckersley, Midwifery Certificate, November 1935
Hard Copysr, joyce, eckersley, midwifery, certificate, 1935 -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
Wanda Archibald, Midwifery, Letters from Nurses Board & Professional Services Office, August 1954
Photocopieswanda, archibald, midwifery, letters, nurses board, professional, services, office, 1954, chapman -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
Ballarat Courier - 1953 & 1954 Graduation, Polio article, 1st Professional Examination May 1951, Midwifery Examination 1956 - from Elma Kelly (nee Nimmons), commenced training Jan 1951
January 1951, PTS Back L-R: Rose Gillett, Sr Jean Harris, Sr Thompson, Patricia Winter Middle L-R: Roslie McDonald, Shirley Walker, Noreen McMichael, Patricia McIvor, Gwenda Norbury Front L-R: Elma Nimmons, Betty Wilson, Margaret Kelly, Marjorie WheelerPhotocopieselma, nimmons, kelly, 1953, 1954, graduation, polio, examination, midwifery, 1st, professional, courier, 1951, pts, harris, thompson -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
Midwifery Reunion, 1972 - Dr Sloss & many senior nursing staff in attendance
Hard Copymidwifery, reunion, 1972, dr, sloss, senior nursing staff, langham ogden, eckersley, cameron -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
E1, Midwifery, Nursery, S.I.C - Sr Hausler Dr Harry Zehnwirth (Paediatrician), Sr Reilly
Hard Copye1, midwifery, nursery, s.i.c., hausler, zehnwirth, paediatrician, reilly, potter, 1956, new, insulcot, gardiner, seers -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
Midwifery Reunion, May 1997 - Program
midwifery, reunion, 1997, program -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
E1, Midwifery, 1986-1987, students with tutors Judith Murphy & Annette Rowe
Hard Copiese1, midwifery, 1986, 1987, students, tutors, murphy, rowe, east novasad, metcalf, gammie, rayner, elliott, lingenberg -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
Midwifery Examination - Aug & Sept 1972
Scanned Documentmidwifery, exam, 1972, walden -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
Midwifery Nov 1978 - 1979 School, BBH
Back left to right - Rosemary Whitehead (Educator), Christine Watts nee Manning, Lorraine Broad, Margaret Monagle nee Nolan. Front left to right - Margot Cunningham nee Dean, Sue Wilson, Ellen Conroy, Julie Pittard nee Smith.Digital Photomidwifery, 1979, school, bbh, midwifery, 1978, school, bbh, whitehead, manning, broad, nolan, dean,wilson, conroy, smith -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
Midwifery Nov 1978 - 1979 School, BBH - taken Nov 2015
Back left to right - Rosemary Whitehead, Christine Watts nee Manning, Lorraine Broad, Margaret Monagle nee Nolan. Front left to right - Margot Cunningham nee Dean, Sue Wilson, Ellen Conroy, Julie Pittard nee Higgins.Digital Photomidwifery, 1979, school, bbh, nov, 2015 -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
Melva Irene O'Beirne - Trained Ballarat Base Hospital - April 1926 to May 1929. Certificates - 5
Hard Copies & Digitalo'beirne, melva, 1920s, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929, certificate, midwifery, general, cookery, reference -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
Miss A M Brown, Midwifery Certificate, Women's Hospital Melb, 30th Nov 1925 - Matron 1929-1933, Ballarat Base Hospital
Hard Copybrown, matron, midwifery, 1925, womens hospital, melbourne, certificate -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
Sr Jean Harris, Midwifery
Photosr, harris, midwifery -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
Midwifery, Eildon House, BBH
Photomidwifery, eildon house, bbh -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
Midwifery Reunion, 2 Feb 1972, Ogden, Buchanan, Little, Langham
Photomidwifery, reunion, 1972, ogden, buchanan, little, langham -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
1959 Graduation Day - July & Oct 1955 PTS - Mid & Staff Graduates
Photo1959, graduation, day, july, oct, 1955, pts, midwifery, staff, graduates -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
Audrey Verdun Williams, General & Midwifery Certs, Reference from Matron Griffiths, 1936 - 1939
Photocopyaudrey, verdun, williams, general, midwifery certificate, reference, matron, griffiths, 1936, 1939 -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
Midwifery Ward, E1, c.1982 - new wards
Photomidwifery, ward, e1, 1982 -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
1922 Women's Surgical & Midwifery, Queen Victoria Block, Ward 5. Nr I Kirkland, Nr I Wilson, Sr Daw & Nr Gates. Radiators added in 1911 - in Sovereign Remedies
Photo1922, women, surgical, midwifery, queen victoria block, nr, kirkland, wilson, sr, daw, gates. radiators, sovereign remedies -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
1963 Xmas, Midwifery Ward
Photo1963, xmas, midwifery, ward -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
Planning renovations Midwifery Ward E1, Mr Leigh Grigg, engineer
Photoplanning, renovations, midwifery, ward e1, grigg, engineer -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
Construction of Ensuites in Midwifery
Photoconstruction, ensuites, midwifery -
Unions Ballarat
ANF: Button - Nurses worth every cent of 8%, Australian Nursing Federation, 1995
This button/badge was made to support a nurses' pay claim that took place over the period of 1994-1995, at which time the Kennett Liberal state government was in power. In 1994, the ANF Federal Executive passed a resolution to seek national pay increases of 8%. At this time, nurses had not had a pay rise since 1991. The Union noted that over the same period Victorian politicians had received 12.9% in pay increases. Our thanks to the ANMF library for providing information about the origins of this object.Significant to the history of the ANMF and its industrial success. Round button - white background. Green and pink design.Protect National Rates. Nurses: Worth every cent of 8%.btlc, ballarat trades and labour council;, ballarat trades hall, anf, australian nursing federation, anmf, australian nursing and midwifery federation, nurses, health unions, pay rates, enterprise bargaining agreement, eba, pay claims -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, Barry Sutton, 25.03.1974
Ms. J. Caeli is the RDNS Medical Records Librarian and is visiting Ms.Val Douglas, the RDNS Social Worker, in her Office at RDNS Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Road,Melbourne. Ms. Caeli is giving instruction to Ms. Douglas regarding statistics for Social Work. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) were the first in Melbourne, in early 1928, to recognize some patients leaving the MDNS After-Care Home, and many at home, needed further social care. 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. In December 1934 the first full-time trained district Almoner, Miss Una Riall, was employed and carried out a great deal of work with the Society’s Midwifery patients. In 1935 she resigned as she felt the amount of work required needed more than one person. The Society were unable to obtain a replacement due to the shortage of trained Almoners so a Social Service Department was set up and a Social Service Officer, Sister Tupper, was employed at the After-Care Home; she successfully gained better housing from the Housing Commission for families living under unsuitable conditions. By 1941 conditions had improved with full employment of breadwinners and Sr. Tupper was appointed the Matron of the District Nursing Division of MDNS. In 1974, now as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), it was recognized the Service needed allied health workers and Ms. Val Douglas was employed as the RDNS first Social Worker.On the left of this black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Ms. J. Caeli, who has collar length dark curled hair and is wearing a light and dark patterned and striped shirt style frock. She is standing with her left hand resting on a desk, and looking down at a pen in her right hand which is poised over a sheet of white paper held by Ms Val Douglas who is sitting to her right behind her desk. Ms Douglas is wearing dark rimmed glasses; has short wavy dark hair and is wearing a white with small grey oblong patterned dress. She is looking up at Ms. Caeli and is holding the piece of paper with her left hand. There is a large blotter, sheets of folded papers, a stapler and a small bottle of glue on the desk. In the left background is a low white cupboard with a vase of flowers and books, standing upright, on it. Behind this is white framed window.and an open long dark curtain. In the rear far right is part of a dark grey filing cabinet.Barry Sutton LY 64rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns medical records, rdns librarian, rdns social worker, mdns, melbourne district nursing society, ms j. caeli, ms val douglas -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, Barry Sutton, 25.03.1974
In 1974 Ms. Val Douglas was appointed as the first Social Worker at RDNS. This photograph is taken in her Office at RDNS Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. Ms Douglas graduated with her Degree of Social Work from the Columbia University in USAThe Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) were the first in Melbourne, in early 1928, to recognize some patients leaving the MDNS After-Care Home, and many at home, needed further social care. 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. In December 1934 the first full-time trained district Almoner, Miss Una Riall, was employed and carried out a great deal of work with the Society’s Midwifery patients. In 1935 she resigned as she felt the amount of work required needed more than one person. The Society were unable to obtain a replacement due to the shortage of trained Almoners so a Social Service Department was set up and a Social Service Officer, Sister Tupper, was employed at the After-Care Home; she successfully gained better housing from the Housing Commission for families living under unsuitable conditions. By 1941 conditions had improved with full employment of breadwinners and Sr. Tupper was appointed the Matron of the District Nursing Division of MDNS. In 1974, now as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), it was recognized the Service needed allied health workers and Ms. Val Douglas was employed as the RDNS first Social Worker.This black and white photograph shows Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Social Worker, Ms. Val Douglas, sitting behind her desk. She has short wavy dark hair; is wearing dark rimmed glasses, and is wearing a V neck, short sleeve, white, which is patterned with small grey oblongs, dress. She is smiling as she looks at the camera. She has a pencil in her right hand which is poised over a quarto sheet of paper which contains writing. A large blotter, clipboard and larger notepad are under this, and other sheets of paper, a notebook, and a receptacle holding several pens also sit on the dark wooden desk. Only a small section of the padded black chair she is sitting on is seen. On the right behind this, is a tall dark grey filing cabinet. On the left is a white shelf with a few books standing vertically on it and behind this part of a window is seen. To its right an open long dark curtain is seen.Barry Sutton LY 65 nameroyal district nursing service, rdns, rdns social worker, ms val douglas -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Journal, Kewriosity : July 1992
City of Kew Ward boundaries [map] / p1. Council election Saturday 1st August, 1992 Prospect Ward / p1. Letter from resident 'waste management' / Katrine Keuneman p2. Kew Junction Commercial Centre Precinct 8 / p2. Kew and Hawthorn a place for cyclists / p2. Mayor's Comment / Cr Daryl Oldaker p3. Come rain, hail or sunshine [school crossings] / p3 Kew Lioness Club / p3. Diary Dates for July/August pp.4-5. In Brief [Sold Kew Post Office; Help your postie deliver your mail; Carnsworth Nursing Home volunteers] / p4. In Brief continued [Kew Bowling Club; The Asthma Foundation of Victoria; Work at home as a family day caregiver; Kew Band; Kew Senior Citizens: Lions Club Opportunity Shop] / p5. My feelings on Kew / Chris Howlett p6. Youth homelessness / p6. Kew Festival / p6. Victorian Disabled Skiers' Assoc./ p7. Midwifery commemoration / p7. Vaccination against Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Disease / p7. Quit Quiz / p7. Our [Four Seasons] window [by Alan Sumner, in Kew Library] / p7. Pictures of Kew Kew High School students; Dedication of Burke Hall oval to past Mayor of Kew, the late Jack Gervasoni; Volunteers Reception; Bryan Berry] p8.Kewriosity was a local newsletter combining Kew Council and community news. It was published between November 1983 and June 1994, replacing an earlier Kewriosity [broad] Sheet (1979-84). In producing Kewriosity, Council aimed to provide a range of interesting and informative articles covering its deliberations and decision making, together with items of general interest and importance to the Kew community and information not generally available through daily media outlets.non-fictionCity of Kew Ward boundaries [map] / p1. Council election Saturday 1st August, 1992 Prospect Ward / p1. Letter from resident 'waste management' / Katrine Keuneman p2. Kew Junction Commercial Centre Precinct 8 / p2. Kew and Hawthorn a place for cyclists / p2. Mayor's Comment / Cr Daryl Oldaker p3. Come rain, hail or sunshine [school crossings] / p3 Kew Lioness Club / p3. Diary Dates for July/August pp.4-5. In Brief [Sold Kew Post Office; Help your postie deliver your mail; Carnsworth Nursing Home volunteers] / p4. In Brief continued [Kew Bowling Club; The Asthma Foundation of Victoria; Work at home as a family day caregiver; Kew Band; Kew Senior Citizens: Lions Club Opportunity Shop] / p5. My feelings on Kew / Chris Howlett p6. Youth homelessness / p6. Kew Festival / p6. Victorian Disabled Skiers' Assoc./ p7. Midwifery commemoration / p7. Vaccination against Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Disease / p7. Quit Quiz / p7. Our [Four Seasons] window [by Alan Sumner, in Kew Library] / p7. Pictures of Kew Kew High School students; Dedication of Burke Hall oval to past Mayor of Kew, the late Jack Gervasoni; Volunteers Reception; Bryan Berry] p8.publications -- city of kew (vic.), kewriosity, council newsletters, community newsletters -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Journal, Kewriosity : October 1991
Upgrading of Harp Junction [VicRoads, Kew Council] / p1. Proposed roundabout at Valerie Street, Asquith Road [and] Belford Road / p1. Chief Executive's Comment [Rates and charges for 1991/92] / Malcolm Hutchinson p2. Croquet - New season starts / p2. Kew Band / p2. Mayor's Comment [Council's Budget for 1991/92] / Cr Daryl Oldaker / p3. Diary Dates for October / p4. Diary dates for November / p5. Family Day Care [Kew/Hawthorn Family Day Care Scheme seminars] / p5. St George's [Midwifery School] / p5. Kew Youth Card / p6. Breastfeeding right from the start / p6. The future of Kew Junction / p7. 111 years of Kew bowling [Kew Bowling Club] / p7. The Adult Video-cassette collection [Kew Library] / p8. Invitation to 'Traffic in Melbourne' Community Workshop / p8. Community Planting Day / p8. Float a boat [Rotary Club of Kew fundraising to support disability access] / p8.Kewriosity was a local newsletter combining Kew Council and community news. It was published between November 1983 and June 1994, replacing an earlier Kewriosity [broad] Sheet (1979-84). In producing Kewriosity, Council aimed to provide a range of interesting and informative articles covering its deliberations and decision making, together with items of general interest and importance to the Kew community and information not generally available through daily media outlets.non-fictionUpgrading of Harp Junction [VicRoads, Kew Council] / p1. Proposed roundabout at Valerie Street, Asquith Road [and] Belford Road / p1. Chief Executive's Comment [Rates and charges for 1991/92] / Malcolm Hutchinson p2. Croquet - New season starts / p2. Kew Band / p2. Mayor's Comment [Council's Budget for 1991/92] / Cr Daryl Oldaker / p3. Diary Dates for October / p4. Diary dates for November / p5. Family Day Care [Kew/Hawthorn Family Day Care Scheme seminars] / p5. St George's [Midwifery School] / p5. Kew Youth Card / p6. Breastfeeding right from the start / p6. The future of Kew Junction / p7. 111 years of Kew bowling [Kew Bowling Club] / p7. The Adult Video-cassette collection [Kew Library] / p8. Invitation to 'Traffic in Melbourne' Community Workshop / p8. Community Planting Day / p8. Float a boat [Rotary Club of Kew fundraising to support disability access] / p8. publications -- city of kew (vic.), kewriosity, council newsletters, community newsletters -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, sepia, c.1892
This is the first photograph taken of Trained nurses, who worked with the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) and has been kept in their Archives (now RDNS) since that time. The photograph, taken about 1892, records the uniforms worn by MDNS Nurses in that era, and records images of Nurse Kennedy, who commenced with the Society at the end of 1891, and worked in the Western District of the CBD until the end of 1893; and Lucy Smith who worked in the Eastern District of the CBD between April 1892 - June 1893 when she left to get married. Nurse Smith trained at the Nightingale Training School for Nurses at St. Thomas's Hospital in London, the first professional nursing school in the world and as such she was given the position of the first 'Head Nurse' at MDNS. Though Florence Nightingale never worked at St. Thomas’s she did form the curriculum for the nurses training and received regular reports regarding the probationers, as well as receiving the nurses in her home during the latter part of their training. According to Lucy's family she met Florence Nightingale. The photograph shows two of the three Trained nurses employed by MDNS at that time. All Nurses employed by MDNS from its inception in 1885 were trained and received their qualification in a Hospital, but in those times were called 'Nurse'. In Melbourne in 1885 it was recognized that skilled nursing was needed in the inner city to care for the sick poor in their own homes. On the 17th of February a meeting was held with prominent Melbourne citizens, five gentlemen and fourteen ladies. ‘Dr. Caffyn and Rev. Charles Strong explained the objects and scope of District nursing Societies that had been formed in other towns’ in UK. On that day the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded, the first District Nursing Society in Australia. Subsequent meetings were held to form a Committee and to draw up a Code of Rules of the Society. It was decided only nurses who had attended a Nurses Training School and were fully qualified would be employed by the Society, and that the Nurses would keep a daily journal of their work. After interviewing several candidates, the first Trained Nurse, Mrs. Ferguson, was employed with a salary of £100 per annum and commenced work on the 1st of May 1885. She was employed for three months initially, but this was soon extended, “on the understanding she will make arrangements to live in the more immediate vicinity of her district”. A doctor was consulted before any person was seen. In rotation, a member of the Superintendence Sub-Committee supervised the Nurse’s visits and could assist to alleviate some of the poor social conditions they found. Though only Trained nurses were employed, the term ’Nurse’ was used in those days. Lady Janet Clarke, a philanthropist, was one of the first two Vice-presidents and President from 1888 until 1908 (except when overseas); she was a driving force in the Society. She held the first fund raiser for the Society at her home ‘Cliveden’ and went on to help organize many functions where she, along with Committee members, manned the stalls to raise funds. She also took her turn to accompany the Nurse, and was noted for her kindness and benevolence. Over the years the Committee, which was made up of 80% ladies, worked tirelessly for the Society; many Auxiliaries were formed. A second Trained nurse, Mrs. Joanna Cannon, was employed in late 1885, with a trial period of six months which was extended. She and Mrs Ferguson were the stalwarts of the Society in the early years, Nurse Cannon remaining with the Society for four years and Nurse Ferguson for five years, though both had a short break due to the heaviness of the work. Nurse’s salaries were reduced to account for the cost of uniforms, and again in later years when establishments were rented by the Society and the nurses could now live in the Nurses Home. The two Nurses worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bags containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care and liaised with doctors. They provided high quality nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. They educated their patients, and their Carers, in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of hygiene, cleanliness, ventilation and good nutrition. They taught them, by verbal instruction and demonstration, how to make poultices, to make and apply bandages, apply medical appliances such as splints; and the Nurses supplied milk, beef tea and cooked soup when needed. As the work increased a third Trained nurse was employed but this was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer and many Nurses only remained with the Society for several months. In 1891 the first Nurses Home was rented for 1 year at £65 per annum at 66 Cardigan Street, Carlton; Nurses wages were now £60 per annum. A Doctor gave lectures from the Home to the public on the understanding and prevention of diseases. The Society decided to commence a Midwifery Service and Nurse Fowler, who had previously worked for the Society, was re-employed as their first trained Midwife. She began home births in August 1893 giving them Ante Natal care, taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. Following birth, she gave Post-natal care to the mother and babe twice a day for three days and then daily for a week, and longer if required. She resigned after twelve months and Nurse Wilkie was appointed to the position. As well as walking, the nurses used Public transport in the limited areas it ran, though a taxi was used by the Nurses and Midwife in emergencies and at night. Late in 1891 the Society moved to larger rented premises at 49 Drummond Street and in 1902 moved to 188 Leicester Street, Carlton Sepia Photograph of two Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), Trained nurses; on the left is Nurse Kennedy (sitting) and to the right Nurse Lucy Smith (standing). They are wearing the MDNS uniform of a long grey frock. Over this they are wearing a grey long sleeve jacket with self buttons down the centre. The jacket forms a V at the waist. Nurse Kennedy has a round visage with her central parted dark hair drawn back. She is wearing ear rings and holds the top of a closed umbrella in her left hand, the feral rests on the ground. She has a straw hat in her right hand. Nurse Smith has a long visage; is wearing ear rings and her central parted dark hair is drawn back. Her right arm is extended holding the back of the chair on which Nurse Kennedy sits. melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns uniforms, mdns first 'head nurse', rdns, royal district nursing service, trained nurse kennedy, trained nurse lucy smith -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, sepia, 1907
This photograph depicts the Sister-in-charge with a group of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS,) Trained nurses, 'Nurses", with their bicycles, which were the first mode of transport purchased by MDNS in 1903. The bicycles enabled their Nurses to visit more patients over a wider area. They are identified as: L-R back row: Trained Nurses Taylor, Steele, Francis, Young. L-R front row: Isobel Curnow, Annie Roberts, Isabel Hawkes (Sister in Charge), Becker. Their uniforms were a grey cotton dress with white collar, cuffs and belt and their was a red Maltese cross on their pith helmets. They gave nursing care to the poor in the inner Melbourne and close surrounding areas (districts). On the 17th of February 1885, just 50 years after Melbourne was founded, a preliminary meeting of ladies and gentlemen who were anxious to form a society to provide "skilled nursing" for the sick poor in their own homes was held in Mrs William McCulloch’s home at Spring Street, Melbourne. At this meeting it was decided “that the association would be called the Melbourne District Nursing Society”, the first Society of its kind in Australia, and “that the special object of the Society shall be to secure skilled nursing for the sick poor in their own homes”. On the 16th of March a Committee was formed to “arrange for engaging one "duly qualified nurse”. On the 1st of May 1885 a Nurse, Mrs. Ferguson, was employed at £100 per annum, and a second Nurse, Mrs. Joanne Cannon, commenced six months later. In that era the term ‘Nurse’ was used even though they were ‘qualified’ i.e. ‘trained’ nurses. They worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care. They provided high quality Trained nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness, fresh air and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed, as well as providing wood and coal in the winter. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. Trained midwives began home births in late 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. As the work increased a third Trained nurse was employed but this was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer and many Nurses only remained with the Society for several months. Permission to use bicycles was given to the Nurses in 1898 and the Society decided to purchase their own in 1903. A business man offered ‘new free wheel’ bicycles at £13 each which included maintenance for one year. Bells and wooden frames were added, at a cost of £5 per frame, so the Nurses could carry extra equipment. Nurses’ bags were strapped to the handlebars. Soup was made for those in need 2-3 times a week and if patients could not arrange to have it collected the soup was delivered by the Nurses on their bicycles. The use of bicycles caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chin, now being used. They provided high quality nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered by a Doctor, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. In 1913 a Nurse had her Board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expensive provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary is increased by £5, and later she earns £60 a year. Over the years the nurses complained that their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform but this did not occur until 1921. Bicycles continued to be used in inner areas until 1945. Sepia photograph of eight Melbourne District Nursing Society Trained nurses posing with their bicycles in a park; some are partly hidden. Nurse's uniforms consist of long grey dresses with white belts, cuffs and collars and white pith helmets with a Maltese cross in the centre. Oblong leather nursing bags of varying sizes are strapped to five of the bicycles. In the centre is Sister-in-charge – Mrs Hawkes (in white); to her left are 4 Nurses and to her right 3. L-R – Front row – Trained Nurses Curnow, Roberts, (Hawkes) and Becker. Back row – Nurses Taylor, Steele, Francis and Young. Trees and a palm are in the background. The bicycles have two large wire spoked wheels at either end of the black V shape bicycle frame; a rubber tyre runs around the outside of each wheel. The metal handlebars are a horizontal configuration and are attached with a central column into a black vertical column at the front of the V shape bicycle frame which has ‘fork shaped’ thin metal pierces running down either side of the wheel attaching the frame to the central hub of the wheel. The rear wheel is attached the same way to a central column at the rear of the frame which runs up to V shape solid seat. At the bottom of the V of the frame a pedal is attached with a rotating arm on either side of the bicycle and on the right side the rotating arm is attached to a sprocket which has a chain running around it back to a smaller sprocket on the hub of the back wheel. The chain has a thin metal guard over it. There are narrow thin metal mud guards running a short distance above the top of each wheel. melbourne district nursing society (1885-1957), bicycles, nurses, uniforms, mdns, mdns transport, rdns, royal district nursing service, trained nurse annie roberts, sister-in-charge isabel hawkes, trained nurse taylor, trained nurse steele, trained nurse francis, trained nurse young, trained nurse becker, trained nurse isobel curnow -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, sepia, 1916
Matron Freeman and the MDNS Trained Nurses are wearing long grey coats and white pith helmets, which display a red Maltese cross.The Pith helmets are held on with a white veil. The two Bicycles with nursing bags attached to handlebars show the transport used by MDNS at that time.. Nurses - Back - L-R - O'Sullivan, Deans, Warren, Amess, Pat Lee and Jane with bicycle Front - L-R - Blanche Wilson, Matron Janie Freeman, Peake and Brown. In February 1885, 50 years after Melbourne was founded, it was recognized that nursing care was needed for the sick poor in inner Melbourne. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded with one Trained nurse (Nurse), and a second employed six months later. This was the first such service in Australia. They worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care. They provided high quality nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron. They loaned equipment, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing clean bed linen and nightdresses as necessary. Trained Midwives began home births in August 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe as needed. This was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer. Permission to use bicycles was given to the Nurses in 1898 and the Society decided to purchase their own in 1903. A business man offered ‘new free wheel’ bicycles at £13 each which included maintenance for one year. Bells and wooden frames were added, at a cost of £5 per frame, so the Nurses could carry extra equipment. Nurses’ bags were strapped to the handlebars. Soup was made for those in need 2-3 times a week and if patients could not arrange to have it collected the soup was delivered by the Nurses on their bicycles. The use of bicycles caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chin, now being used. In 1913 a Nurse had her Board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expensive provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary is increased by £5, and later she earned £60 a year. Over the years the Nurses complained their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform but this did not occur until 1921. Bicycles continued to be used in inner areas until 1945. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care and liaised with Doctors. They provided high quality nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. They educated their patients, and their Carers, in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of hygiene, cleanliness, ventilation and good nutrition. They taught them, by verbal instruction and demonstration, how to make poultices, to make and apply bandages, apply medical appliances such as splints.Sepia photograph on brown card mount with 'Kirk Studio' on bottom right of the card. The photograph shows Matron Freeman and nine Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses, (Nurses), with bicycles. The back row of six Nurses are standing and the Nurses either end are holding bicycles which have leather oblong nursing bags attached to the handlebars with two straps. The front row are seated. All are wearing the MDNS uniform of long dark coats and white helmets, with white scarves covering them and tied under their chins. A Maltese cross can be seen in the centre of the helmets. Both bicycles have two large wire spoked wheels at either end of the black V shape bicycle frame; a rubber tyre runs around the outside of each wheel. The metal handlebars are a horizontal configuration and are attached with a central column into a black vertical column at the front of the V shape bicycle frame which has 'fork shaped' thin metal pierces running down either side of the wheel attaching the frame to the central hub of the wheel. The rear wheel is attached the same way to a central column at the rear of the frame which runs up to V shape solid seat. At the bottom of the V of the frame a pedal is attached with a rotating arm on either side of the bicycle and on the right side the rotating arm is attached to a sprocket which has a chain running around it back to a smaller sprocket on the hub of the back wheel. The chain has a thin metal guard over it. There are narrow thin metal mud guards running a short distance above the top of each wheel.Photographer's embossed stampmdns, melbourne district nursing society, mdns uniforms, mdns transport, mdns matron, rdns, royal district nursing service, nurse blanche wilson, nurse pat lee, nurse deans, nurse o'sullivan, nurse warren, nurse amess, nurse peak, nurse brown, matron janie freeman