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

This photograph is taken in the Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) Footscray Centre and shows a Sister receiving sterilized equipment from a Sister in the Autoclave room. The Sister receiving the equipment will use this when giving specific nursing care to a patient in her home.Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS), later called Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), had an Autoclave room in each Centre where Catheter trays, dressing trays, as well as dressing packs and gowns and towels were sterilized for their Trained staff (Sisters) to take to the home when attending to a patient who required specific nursing care. When the Sisters returned to the Centre they cleaned the equipment and set up the trays ready for re-sterilizing. On the right of the black and white photograph is a Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) Sister, wearing a white gown over her grey uniform, with peaks showing, and wearing her grey peaked hat over her short dark hair. She is smiling as she is handing sterilized equipment through the opened sliding window of the sterilizing room. The Sister receiving the equipment is to the left in the next room. She is wearing her grey uniform coat and peaked hat over her short dark curled hair, and is standing against a row of cupboards with their bench top at the level of the sliding window. To her right, a rectangular metal basket sits on the bench top; a white drape is in the basket and another to its right. A four pronged walking stick stands on the floor to her right hand side. At the rear left a small table is against the wall with a small grey square tapering rubbish bin beneath it. The edge of the open door can be seen on the far left. In the foreground some of the cupboards, and part of a wall with an electric switch can be seen.Photographer's stamp. Quote No. GX 6 Handwritten informationmelbourne district nursing service, mdns, royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns equipment, sterilizing, rdns centre

This photograph is taken in the Sterilizing room in the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Footscray Centre. Sister Short is closing the door of the Autoclave to sterilize equipment and dressings which will then be used by a RDNS Sister when she is visiting a patient in the community. Sterilizing of equipment and dressings were carried out at each RDNS Centre. Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) supplied sterilized equipment, such as ready set up catheter trays and dressing trays, as well as dressing packs for their trained staff (Sisters) to take to the home when attending to specific patient care. When the Sisters returned to the Centre they washed and set up the trays again ready for re-sterilization. Each RDNS Centre had an Autoclave room and equipment and dressings were sterilized each day.Black and white photograph showing Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister Margaret Short, who has short dark hair, and is wearing a white gown over her uniform, with the grey peaks seen. She is using the Autoclave in the Sterilizing room. The tall rectangular metal sterilizer stands in the centre of the photograph. There are several small dials and a larger square dial on its upper left, with a long encased thermometer in the centre and a large round dial to its right. Below this is the partly open large metal door of the sterilizing section. A thick horizontal metal piece runs from the left side of the sterilizer, across, and attached at the centre, of the door. Sister Short has her left hand on the turning bar attached to the centre section, and her right hand is on the locking section as she closes the door. Below the door are two switches and several small dials. To the left of the sterilizer is a cabinet, and to the right of Sister Short, eight small wrapped dressing packs are on a shelf. At the rear of the photograph the wall goes halfway up, with windows above.Photographer's Stamp. Quote No. GX 12 Handwritten informationroyal district nursing service, rdns, footscray centre, sterilizing, sister margaret short

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 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

Sister Short is writing down information being given by patient Sue Rowley who will be discharged from the Hospital. It will be phoned through to the appropriate RDNS Centre where it is recorded by the Clerical staff and passed to the RDNS Sister who will visit Sue on her discharge. 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 patients who 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. A Physiotherapist worked under contract to teach transfer techniques to RDNS Sisters before RDNS employed there own 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 members. The Physiotherapist made home visits with the attending RDNS Sister when required.Standing to the left of the black and white photograph is hospital Physiotherapist, Anne Radford, who has short dark hair and is wearing a white coat. She is side on and has her hands placed on the upper and lower right arm of Sue Rowley, who is sitting in a wheelchair. Sue has short dark hair and is wearing a neck brace and her left hand is holding a pulley rope. She is wearing a white top under a dark jacket and light coloured slacks. To her right is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Liaison Sister, Margaret Short who is facing Sue. She has her left hand extended supporting an open book and has a pen in her right hand which is poised on a page in the book. Sister Short is wearing her RDNS grey short sleeve uniform dress and grey peaked hat over her short dark hair. The RDNS insignia is seen on the top of her left sleeve. Behind the wheelchair are some wooden bars, two upright and two vertical, which are attached to a brick wall, the pulley rope is through a wheel attached to the right hand upright. The brick wall joins another which has part of a window visible. Behind the Sister and wheelchair are four shelves attached to this brick wall. Several round weights are on the shelves.Photographer stamp. Hand written informationroyal district nursing service, rdns, rdns liaison, rdns uniform, ms sue rowley, physiotherapist anne radford, sister margaret short

This photograph is taken in one of Melbourne's Public Hospitals. The Liaison Sister is learning the transfer technique required to transfer Julianne. She will then relay this information to the appropriate RDNS Centre where it will be passed to the Sister who will be visiting Julianne and attending to her care when she is discharged from hospital.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. 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. RDNS at first contracted, and then in then 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 members. When required the Physiotherapist accompanied the Sister on her visit to the patient in their home.On the left of this black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Liaison Sister, who has short dark hair and is wearing her RDNS grey uniform dress, in a bent position over a bed with her arms extended and under the legs of, and assisting, hospital patient, Julianne Goney as she is transferring from her bed into a wheelchair. Julianne, who has her long hair drawn up and is wearing light coloured slacks and top with a chain and locket hanging down it, has her right arm extended and her hand gripping a triangular monkey bar; her left hand is extended reaching the far arm of the wheelchair. Dr. R. Bartlett, who has short dark hair and is wearing a white coat, is behind and to the right of Julianne.with his left arm bent and his hand under her armpit assisting her to transfer. Julianne's buttocks and the heels of her shoes are just touching the light coloured coverings on the white metal frame bed. Part of a wall and two windows are to the left of the RDNS Sister. Part of a white locker with a bowl and apple on it, is seen behind the doctor and part of a privacy curtain is seen to the right of the photograph.Photographer Stamp Handwritten informationroyal district nursing service, rdns, rdns liaison, rdns uniform, ms julianne goney, doctor r. bartlett

Miss Evans, the Director of Nursing of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) is holding a meeting with some RDNS Sisters in a room at RDNS Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. Mary Evans was born in Adelaide in 1915. She completed her General Nursing Training at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and her Midwifery Certificate at the Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital in Melbourne. Mary worked in the Midwifery section of Melbourne District Nursing Society from 1943–1945, and then qualified as a Maternal and Child Health Nurse. Gaining a Scholarship from MDNS in 1959, she studied and investigated District Nursing practices in England, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Canada and the USA, which had a profound impact on the planning of MDNS. As Deputy Matron, then Matron from 1963, she began implementing her 5 point plan of - Education, Liaison, Ancillary Services, MDNS Centres in strategic areas and Home Health Aides. Miss Mary Evans retired as Director of Nursing of, the now, Royal District Nursing Service in 1978 and became an adviser to the Australian Council of Community Nursing Services. In 1981 she was awarded an O.B.E. for services to District Nursing, and as recognition for her leading role in Community nursing in Australia. From 1986-1990 she was heavily involved in the running of the Baxter Retirement Village. She was also Vice President of the Airdrie Retirement place for nurses in Canterbury. Mary Evans was placed on the Honour Roll of Victorian Women in 2001. Miss Mary Evan, O.B.E. died in early 2004.Black and white photograph of Miss Mary Evans, Director of Nursing of the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), with a group of RDNS staff. Miss Evans is sitting in a floral patterned lounge chair on the far right hand side. The other staff are sitting in a semi-circle in matching lounge chairs and couches. In attendance are Sisters: P. Holdsworth, B. Harris, E. Holland, M. Campbell, H. Beckett, J. Wilkinson, J. Tarn, E. Anderson. Some are partly hidden. Miss Evans has short dark curled hair and is wearing her grey uniform skirt and jacket. The rdns insignia can be seen on her upper left sleeve. The Sisters are wearing their grey short sleeve uniform frocks; some are wearing cardigans. The RDNS Insignia can be seen on the upper sleeve of some Sisters. A small round table with papers on it, sits beside Miss Evans and a rectangular coffee table in front of some of the Sisters. A plain carpet is on the floor and in the background two windows with long side curtains can be seen.Photographer Stamp. Quote No. 5 Aroyal district nursing service, rdns, rdns matron, miss mary evans, sister pat holdsworth, sister betty harris, sister e. holland, sister m. campbell, sister h. beckett, sister joanne wilkinson, sister joan tarn, sister ellen anderson

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

The RDNS Sister is visiting the gentleman in his home and has dressed the wounds on his toe. The dressings applied have been ordered by a Doctor. Under her gown, the Sister is wearing her RDNS winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a tunic style frock made of blue/grey herringbone winter materialFrom its inception in 1885 the Trained nurses (Nurses) of the then named Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later named Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) gave high quality nursing care to patients in their own homes. They nursed patients referred by Hospitals and General Practitioners giving treatments, such as injections, wound care. When sterilized dressing trays were used for the first visit, and if applicable, the Sister demonstrated how to sterilize a 'home set up', using the washed forceps from the tray and using a clean cup and plate, making sure there were no chips or cracks, which were to be used to hold lotion and dressings at the time of future visits. They were given written instructions in how to sterilize this equipment in a saucepan on the stove prior to the next RDNS visit. Patients bought their own dressings, if not supplied by a hospital, and the attending Sister demonstrated how to sterilize these in the oven, using a casserole dish as a receptacle. Clear written instructions were left with the patient.Black and white photograph showing a Sister from the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), giving specific care to the feet of a gentleman. The RDNS Sister has shoulder length dark hair and is wearing a white gown over her RDNS uniform. The gentleman has balding dark hair and is wearing a dark dressing gown over his pyjamas. He is seated in a recliner chair in his lounge room and has his legs extended with his feet resting on the recliner foot. He has a slipper on his right foot and nothing on his left foot. The Sister is sitting on a stool to the right of him him with equipment, a cup, saucer and forceps and a casserole dish containing dressings, on a tray in front of her on a small square wood and cane stool. She has her right hand on the gentleman's left foot and pieces of dressing material can be seen around three of his toes. There is a patterned rug, under the recliner chair, sitting on top of the carpet. To the left of the chair part of a brick fireplace can be seen. Two windows with open short patterned curtains can be seen in the background. In the right foreground, part of a white and floral tablecloth can be seen hanging over a low table.Photographer stamp. Quote No. DN 86royal district nursing service, rdns patient care, rdns wound care

The RDNS Sister is visiting the mother and babe in their home. She is using sterile equipment and swabs to firstly moisten the tulle gras to enable ease of its removal before redressing the open areas on the babes skin with sterile dressings. With RDNS visiting the home of the mother, the young babes routine can continue to be established at home, rather than them having to regularly visit a Doctor or Hospital department for redressing of the babes lesions. The Trained nurses (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. The patients required their wounds to be dressed following various types of surgery, accidents, burns, skin conditions, cancer, leg ulcers etc. 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 wound care programs, such as the Leg Ulcer Management Program to provide their Trained nurses (Sisters) with methods of best quality care. They ran a program for Wound Care Specialists who made assessments and provided advice and support to the District Sisters working in the field as needed. 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. On the left in the black and white photograph is a Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister, who has short, straight blonde hair, and is wearing a white gown over her uniform is bending over a bassinet as she attends a baby with a skin condition. The Sister has her arms extended with a pair of forceps in her left hand, and in her right hand, another pair of forceps with a cotton wool swab attached is touching tulle gras on one of the wounds on the babes outstretched right arm. The baby is on her covered change table and is wearing a singlet and an opened patterned jumpsuit with her right upper area uncovered. Her mother, who has short dark hair and is wearing a dark sleeveless V neck tunic style frock over a light coloured long sleeve top, is behind and bending over the change table holding her babes right outstretched hand. She is also holding a dummy in that hand. The mother's left extended arm and hand is on the left shoulder of her babe. The baby, who has sparse hair, is looking up at her mother; signs of a skin condition can be seen on areas of the babes face and head.Photographer stamp. Quote No. DO 50royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns wound care

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

RDNS Sister Marilyn Smith is visiting the little girl in her own home to apply sterilized dressings, as ordered by a Doctor, to the wounds on her body. Visiting the child at home provides her with a familiar environment to undergo the procedure. The Trained nurses (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. The patients required their wounds to be dressed following various types of surgery, accidents, burns, cancer, leg ulcers etc. 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 wound care programs, such as the Leg Ulcer Management Program to provide their Trained nurses (Sisters) with methods of best quality care. They ran a program for Wound Care Specialists who made assessments and provided advice and support to the District Sisters working in the field as needed. 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. On the left of this black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister Marilyn Smith, who has short dark hair and is wearing a white gown over her RDNS uniform kneeling on the floor as she dresses the wound of a young girl. Sister Smith is kneeling on a white covering which is placed over the patterned carpet in the lounge room. Only the back of her head can be seen; her left arm is extended and bent over the head of a seated small girl; she has a forcep in her hand. The young girl, who has shoulder length dark hair, is seated on the white covering and has her right hand on Sister Smith's right arm. She is watching as Sister Smith is removing a dressing from a wound on her left side. The child's left arm and hand are held above the dressing. A wound can also be seen on the girls left thigh. In the left rear, part of a patterned couch can be seen and part of a white curtain to its right. Behind the little girl, part of a brick fireplace and gas fire can be seen.Photographer stamp. Quote No. DO 58 mdns, melbourne district nursing society, royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns patient care - wound dressing, sister marilyn smith

The RDNS Sister is giving care to the elderly man in his own home. She is wearing her winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvy worn under a blue/grey herringbone woolen V neck tunic style dress.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 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 Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister, who has short dark hair and is wearing the RDNS winter uniform, standing side on to the right of, and attending, an elderly gentleman who is seated on a couch in his lounge room. On the left, the gentleman has sparse light hair and is wearing dark pants and top over a tartan shirt. A white towel is laying on his right leg. To his right, the Sister has her right arm outstretched straightening clothing at his neck, and is supporting a glass in the mans left hand with her outstretched left arm and hand. The glass is partly hidden by her hand. The man is looking up at the Sister and has his right hand near the glass. The Sister is wearing a uniform skivvy under a V neck tunic style dress. In the background, part of floral curtains and white voile curtains can be seen.Photographer stamp. Quote No. DO 75royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns patient care, rdns uniform

Miss Wright is Director of Education at Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). She is sitting at a desk in the Education Department which was in Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Road, until 1974 when it relocated to larger premises at 448 St. Kilda Road. 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 (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 their Trained nurses (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, Wound Care Specialist Program, HIV/AIDS Nursing Care, Cystic Fibrosis Home Support, Veterans Home Care Program, Homeless persons Program, Breast Cancer Support Program, Continence Management Program, Stomal Therapy Program, In-Home Lactation Support 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 Sisters. Black and white photograph of Miss Ora Wright, who has light coloured wavy hair and is wearing a grey long sleeve top with a long string of mixed coloured beads hanging over it. She is sitting behind a dark coloured wooden desk and has a pen in her right hand poised to write on a white sheet of paper. Her left arm is bent with her hand holding the light coloured hand-piece of a telephone to her left ear. There is a large blotter and other sheets of white paper on the desk as well as three thick books standing on the front right hand side of the desk. Behind her to the right is a two drawer filing cabinets and above this is a large board with charts running down it. On the left hand side of the photograph a low table with papers stacked on it. Above this, attached to the wall, is a rectangular board with horizontal and vertical rows marked out and some white cards on it. On the far right of the photograph, part of a wall and open Venetian blinds over a window can be seen.Photographer stamp and Quote No. DR 2royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns education, ora wright,

The Library held books on all aspects of health and nursing, and staff members when undergoing Education had access to information held in the Library. The RDNS Librarian was available to provide access to particular information for many RDNS staff. The Library also holds the RDNS Archives.From its inception in 1885 the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), Committee recognized that a high standard of knowledge was required to nurse the sick poor in the community, so only Trained nurses (Nurses) were employed to carry out this work. From early times Lady Janet Clarke paid a yearly subscription, for MDNS Nurses, to Mullen’s Select Library, which became Melville & Mullen’s, so the Nurses could increase their knowledge. In 1966 MDNS gained Royal patronage becoming Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS) which developed its own Library of books on health care subjects and employed a Librarian who also cares for the RDNS Archives.Black and white photograph showing two Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), staff selecting books from the RDNS Library. The lady on the left hand side of the photograph has her dark hair drawn back and is wearing a floral blouse under a dark top and cardigan, and a dark grey skirt. She is standing with her left arm extended and is selecting a book from the top shelf of the four shelf book stand. The Sister to her right, who has short dark hair and is wearing a dark tunic style frock over a light grey skivvy, is crouched with her left hand in the 2nd bottom shelf and her right arm extended selecting a book from the bottom shelf. Each shelf of the book stand is filled with various sized dark and light covered books.Photographers stamp. Quote No. DR 9mdns, melbourne district nursing society, royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns library

These student nurses are doing their Nursing training at the Western General Hospital and are being given a lecture by RDNS Nurse Educator, Sister Hengstberger, during their Community Nursing Education Program with RDNS. The photograph is taken at the RDNS Education Department at 448 St. Kilda Road. Sister Hengstberger is wearing her RDNS winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvy worn under a blue/grey herringbone V necked winter weight tunic style dress. During their training, Student nurses from several hospitals either attended the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Education Department, or, a RDNS Nurse Educator travelled to the appropriate hospital’s Education Department to educate the Trainees on District nursing through the RDNS Community Nursing Program. Following the lectures, Students went to a RDNS Centre and each student accompanied a Registered nurse (Sister) for a week observing and gaining knowledge of all facets of nursing care in the home. This gave them an insight into the home conditions and situations patients faced after discharge from hospital. During 1971 there were 584 student nurses who received field experience with RDNS.Black and white photograph showing Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister Cecily Hengstberger, who is wearing glasses and has short dark hair, instructing a group of student nurses. Sister Hengstberger is standing facing the group and is wearing her RDNS uniform of a dark V necked tunic style dress over a lighter colour skivvie. The RDNS logo is emblazoned on the upper left hand side of the tunic. She is standing in the centre rear of the photograph, facing the students, and is holding a piece of white paper in her hands. From the foreground of the photograph, the backs of several rows of nurses, wearing a variety of day wear, can be seen seated at small, metal framed, dark wooden top individual tables. The tables have sheets of paper and pens on them. In the left background of the photograph stands a small blackboard; above this is wall clock, and to its right a large blackboard is.attached to the wall.Photographer stamp. DR 17mdns, melbourne district nursing society, royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns education, sister cecily hengstberger

The photograph is of dignitaries attending the opening of the 1st International Domiciliary Nursing Congress hosted by RDNS. Mrs. Hallenstein is President of RDNS and Dame Ivy Wedgwood and Lady MacKenzie, M.B., B.S., are on the RDNS Committee. Lady MacKenzie agreed to be the Congress Convener. The 1st International Domiciliary Nursing Congress was hosted by Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). Mrs. D.(Elsa) Hallenstein, President of RDNS, presided over the opening ceremony with the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon John Gorton opening the Congress. It was held in Melbourne and ran from the 1st to the 8th of February 1970. The theme of the Congress was "Domiciliary Nursing in a Changing World". Many delegates came from around Australia and overseas; from the World Health Organisation; from the North American continent; from Europe, from Asia and from the Pacific. .Black and white photograph of Australia's Prime Minister, the Hon John Gorton, with Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) dignitaries, all are standing. On the far left of the photograph is Dame ivy Wedgwood, who is wearing glasses, and has a light coloured close fitting hat covering most of her short dark hair; she is wearing a black frock with a white badge on its upper left. A black bag hangs from her left arm and her hands are clasped in front of her. She is looking to the left. Mrs. D. Hallenstein is to her right. She has a dark close fitting hat covering most of her light coloured hair; is wearing a dark coloured patterned frock with a badge attached to its upper left and is wearing a necklace. Her white gloved hands holding her glasses are at the level of her waist. To her right, partially seen, is Mrs. Gorton, who has wavy blonde hair and is wearing a white checked frock. Next to her, partially seen, is the Hon John Gorton who has dark hair and is wearing a dark suit. Next to him, and to the far right, is Lady MacKenzie who is wearing glasses and has a grey hat over her light coloured hair. She is wearing a light coloured jacket and skirt and is holding a white handbag in her gloved left hand. The group are standing by glass doors and trees can be seen in the background. Photographers stamp. Quote No. JD 64royal district nursing service, rdns, 1st international congress on domiciliary nursing, mrs d. (elsa) hallenstein, mrs gorton, hon john gorton, dame ivy evelyn annie wedgwood, lady mackenzie

This sign was displayed at the 1st International Domiciliary Nursing Congress which was hosted by the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS).The 1st International Domiciliary Nursing Congress was hosted by Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). Mrs. D.(Elsa) Hallenstein, President of RDNS, presided over the opening ceremony with the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon John Gorton opening the Congress. It was held in Melbourne and ran from the 1st to the 8th of February 1970. Many delegates came from around Australia and overseas; from the World Health Organisation; from the North American continent; from Europe, from Asia and from the Pacific. Black and white photograph showing the sign displayed at the 1st International Domiciliary Nursing Congress. Across the photograph is a long black metal stand, with eight legs, which holds a large board. On the upper quarter can be seen to the left a medium sized black circle which has the lettering '1st' outlined in white on it. To the right of this is the black lettering "International Domiciliary Nursing Congress" in capital letters on a white background. Below the black circle, on a white background, is a large round white globe outlined in black and with black spaced vertical and horizontal grids on it. In the lower centre of this is the black coloured land mass of Australia. Over the left hand top section, and above and to each side of the white globe are different land masses of the world displayed in grey. To the right of this there are two grey sections which are divided vertically with a black line,.and contain information on white sheets. To the right of that is a white section with round photographs in three pairs running down the board.Photographer stamp. Quote No. JE 4royal district nursing service, rdns, mrs d. (elsa) hallenstein, hon john gorton, 1st international domiciliary nursing congress

The three student nurses are from Footscray Hospital. The photograph is taken outside the RDNS Footscray Centre where Sister Ellen Anderson is the Supervisor. Sister McHugh is about to take one of the student nurses with her to observe her giving nursing care to patients in the community. During their training, Student nurses from several hospitals either attended the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Education Department, or, a RDNS Nurse Educator travelled to the appropriate hospital’s Education Department to educate the Trainees on District nursing through the RDNS Community Nursing Program. Following the lectures Students went to a RDNS Centre and each student accompanied a Sister for a week observing and gaining knowledge of all facets of nursing care in the home. This gave them an insight into the home conditions and situations patients faced following discharge from hospital. During 1971 there were 584 student nurses who received field experience with RDNS.Black and white photograph showing two Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sisters and three student nurses Two student nurses, in their light coloured hospital uniforms, white caps, and dark capes are on the left of the photograph standing on the footpath and nature strip facing Sister E. Anderson, who is standing to the left of a tree on the nature strip. She has short dark curled hair and is looking to her right towards the nurses. She is wearing her RDNS grey long sleeve uniform dress. A grey coloured car is at the kerb to the right of the photograph. Standing by its front open passenger door is RDNS Sister Clare McHugh, who is wearing her grey uniform coat, with RDNS insignia on the upper area of the sleeve, and she is wearing a grey peaked hat over her short light coloured hair. She is holding her rectangular nursing case in her right hand and her left hand is resting on the top of the open car door. The inside padding of the door can be seen. A hospital uniformed student nurse is standing at the opened passenger door close to the car. Part of two white cars are seen in front of the grey car. Two trees are seen in the left background and houses and trees are seen to the right.Photographers stamp. Quote No. KH 64royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns education to student nurses, sister e. anderson, sister clare mchugh, rdns uniform

RDNS Sister E. Anderson is Supervisor of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Footscray Centre and Mrs. J. Simpson is the coordinator of RDNS Auxiliaries. They are admiring items from auxiliaries and other interested friends which will be distributed, as required, by RDNS Sisters to any poor families whom they visit to administer nursing care.From its inception in 1885 Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), held functions to gain finances to run the Society. They also asked the public for donations, ranging from food items to linen for bandages, bed linen, blankets, clothes, including baby clothes, etc to assist in the care of their patients. The public generously responded. Each year the President made a special appeal for donations at Christmas time for food and gifts for the MDNS sick poor. Out of this evolved, in 1925, the first MDNS Auxiliary in the Eastern Suburbs. This extended to Auxiliaries throughout the suburbs who worked to donate money and ‘gifts in kind’ to assist MDNS to continue their work, and to furnish wards in the After-Care Home. Before the District Division of MDNS had its own fleet of vehicles, a Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 where the general public, when available, provided their car, and drove Sisters to visit patients who lived a distance away. This was disbanded in 1971 when the, now named Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), had its own fleet of vehicles. The Jessie Henderson Auxiliary ran a Kiosk and Library with all profits to the Society for 20 years. By 1950 there were fourteen auxiliaries who continued to hold functions when the District division separated from the After-Care Hospital and became Melbourne District Nursing Service, which, with Royal patronage, became RDNS in 1966. A Council of Auxiliaries, with Mrs. J. Simpson at its head, and which comprised of two delegates from each auxiliary, was formed in February 1968 to work for District. There were nine auxiliaries in 1970. They continued to run into the 2000s, but the numbers of auxiliaries reduced over the years, as well as the number of members in each auxiliary as the members aged, so this form of support ceased.On the rear left of the black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister E. Anderson, who has short dark curly hair and is wearing her RDNS uniform of a long sleeved grey frock, with a white name badge on the upper left; parts of RDNS insignia are seen on the top section of each sleeve. On the right rear is Mrs. J. Simpson, who has her long dark hair drawn up and is wearing a light grey coloured frock with white lapels, cuffs and a white pocket, all with dark piping. They are both holding baby items and looking at knitted and other donated items which are laying on tables in front of them.Photographers stamp. Quote No. KH 74melbourne district nursing society, melbourne district nursing service, mdns, royal district nursing service, rdns, mdns auxiliaries, rdns auxiliaries, ellen anderson,, j. simpson,

The photograph was taken in front of the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Service Centre at Chessell Street, South Melbourne. The three men are employees of RDNS who work in the RDNS Service Centre and are looking at a donated Van.In May 1971 the Commission Shop donated a Van to the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), to be used by the Maintenance crew for delivery of equipment and transporting goods and documents between RDNS Centres and Headquarters. It was also used for transporting Maintenance staff, and the equipment they required, to do maintenance work at RDNS Centres as needed. The Commission Van was kept at the RDNS Service Centre, at Chessell Street, South MelbourneBlack and white photograph showing, Mr. Pincher, who has curled hair and is standing on the left in front of a white Van looking at a sign on its centre front. To his right is Mr. J. Grigg, who has dark hair, and is standing between the open Van door and the body of the Van; he is pointing with his right index finger to the sign. On the right in front of the Van is Mr. J. Greet who is touching the wiper blade on the Van with his right hand and is also looking at the sign.The three men are wearing grey work coats over their clothes. Only the front and a little of the roof of the Van can be seen. The attached rectangular white sign with dark capital letters reading "Donated By The Commission Shop May 1971" sits in the centre of the Van above a black thin oblong sign with a centre white section containing a black capital "N". Only the left headlight can be seen and the grill below this; below that the black Number plate with white writing "KWH 727" is seen. Parts of buildings can be seen in the background.Photographers stamp. Quote No. KH 79royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns maintenance, rdns transport, rdns commission van, mr pincher, mr j. greet, mr j. grigg

The photograph of the Commission Van is taken at the RDNS Service Centre at Chessell Street, South Melbourne. The three men are employed by the Royal District Nursing Service.In 1971 the Commission shop donated a Van to the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), to be used by the Maintenance crew for delivery of equipment and transporting goods and documents between RDNS Centres and Headquarters. It was also used for transporting Maintenance staff and the equipment they required to do maintenance work at RDNS Centres as needed. The Commission Van was kept at the RDNS Service Centre at Chessell Street, South Melbourne.Black and white photograph showing the side view of the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Commission Van. The white snub nose Van, which has a closed passenger door and another further along, is standing with its front close to a brick building and sits on brick paving which extends onto earth. Three short windows can be seen along the top quarter of the Van. Both back doors are open. Mr. J. Grigg, with receding dark hair, is standing to the left of the photograph near the rear door, and has his hands on the hand grips of a wheelchair. Mr. J. Greet, is standing in the back of the van with his hands on the metal handles of a square metal commode as he hands it to Mr. Pincher, who has wavy short hair and is standing on the ground to his right. He has his hands on the main body of the commode. The three men are wearing their grey work coats over their clothes. In the background part of a two story dark brick building can be seen. On the ground floor, on the left, part of a dark door can be seen with a small window immediately above it, and further.above this is some light fan shaped brick work, three vertical bricks in height. To its right part of a window with the same brickwork can be seen and to the right along the building is part of a window with arched light brickwork followed by more brickwork and part of a door. Black pipework runs down some of the brickwork. Above the brickwork runs a row of light colour material, and above this part of the upper section in grey concrete can be seen.Photographers stamp. Quote No. KH 80mr j grigg, mr. j. greet, mr pincher, rdns equipment, royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns maintenance

The photograph was taken in the Board Room of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. It was taken after Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley received her Fellowship of the Australian College of Nursing. The Australian College of Nursing describes the Fellowship as follows: "Fellowship of the Australian College of Nursing (ACN), is a prestigious member status awarded to nurses in recognition of significant professional achievement. Fellowship recognizes the experience and contribution of nurse leaders to ACN and the profession".The regalia worn by Sr. Rowley as a Fellow, is a black gown with the wide trim to the front edges of scarlet satin and the regalia hood of inner white and outer scarlet satin. Sr. Rowley is the Principal Nurse Educator at RDNS.Sister Rowley commenced at Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in 1956 working as a District Nurse in a large district covering South Melbourne, Albert Park, Middle Park, and suburbs bordering from St. Kilda to Port Melbourne. In 1961 she was asked to be a Control Sister answering the telephones in Headquarters. She left MDNS for a short period, and after being asked to return was accepted, in August 1962 to take the MDNS 2nd Post Basic Course written by Miss Mary Evans; during this time Sr. Rowley wrote a paper on Liaison which led to continuity of care of patients between hospitals and RDNS. Following the course she commenced in Education and rewrote the Post Basic Course. In 1964 Sr. Rowley commenced, on a part time basis, working as a Liaison Officer at the Alfred Hospital. She attended the Teachers College, doing the 12 month course in 6 months, but this course did not have a health component, so she applied, and received, a Florence Nightingale Scholarship to the College of Nursing, gaining her Diploma of Nursing Education in 1968. Following this she became the, now named, Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Education Officer. In 1969 Sr. Rowley, with Miss Mary Evans, DON, attended the quadrennial Congress of the International Council of Nurses in Montreal, Canada and then Sr. Rowley visited USA looking at Public Health Nursing Education programs. As well as her RDNS work, Sr. Rowley became Nursing Consultant to the St. John's Ambulance Association in 1970, assisting in planning their Home Nursing Course book. In July 1971 Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley, was awarded Fellowship of the Australian College of Nursing (ACN). The Australian College of Nursing describes the Fellowship as follows: "Fellowship of the Australian College of Nursing (ACN), is a prestigious member status awarded to nurses in recognition of significant professional achievement. Fellowship recognizes the experience and contribution of nurse leaders to ACN and the profession”. Sr. Rowley was then appointed as Principal Nurse Educator and wrote many of the programs for the Education department. Working as an Educator she travelled to regional hospitals, e.g. in Geelong and Ballarat to give lectures on District Nursing. When the Education Department relocated to 488 St. Kilda Road, she arranged the floor plan of the rooms. Sister Rowley retired from RDNS in 1988 having worked for 26 years in Education and a total of 32 years with the Melbourne, later named Royal, District Nursing Service. . Black and white photograph of a three quarter length view of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley. Sister Rowley, who has her head turned slightly toward the left of the photograph, is wearing dark rimmed glasses and has short dark straight hair. Over her light coloured top, she is wearing a black long open gown with wide trim, and regalia hood of white inner and dark outer satin. Her hands are clasped to the front holding a rolled white certificate held closed with a ribbon and bow. In the background the left edge of a framed landscape painting is seen on the wall. Part of Photographer stamp. Quote No. KJ 57royal district nursing service, rdns, fellowship of the acn, melbourne district nursing service, sister pat (paddy) rowley

The photograph was taken on the stairs at the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, after Sister Joanne Wilkinson, Nurse Educator, Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley, RDNS Principal Nurse Educator, and Miss Norma Bryan, RDNS Deputy Director of Nursing, were awarded Fellowships of the Australian College of Nursing. Their regalia worn as Fellows, was a black gown with the wide trim to the front edges of scarlet satin and the regalia hood of inner white and outer scarlet satin. The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) describes the award as follows:- "Fellowship of the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is a prestigious member status awarded to nurses in recognition of significant professional achievement. Fellowship recognizes the experience and contribution of nurse leaders to ACN and the profession." RDNS senior nursing staff could 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.Black and white photograph of three Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) staff members standing on stairs in front of a long stain glass window; left to right - Sister Joanne Wilkinson, Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley and Miss Norma Bryan. The three members are wearing their black gowns with regalia of light coloured edges and their hood of a white V band with dark band edge. Sister Wilkinson, who has short dark hair, is wearing a grey coloured top under her regalia, and is holding her rolled certificate, with a ribbon and bow, in her right hand and has her left hand on the stair rail. Sister Rowley has short dark hair and is wearing dark rimmed glasses; she has a white top under her regalia and is standing side on towards Sr. Wilkinson with her head turned toward the front. She has her certificate in her right hand with her wrist resting on the stair rail. Miss Bryan, who is smiling, has dark curled hair and is wearing dark rimmed glasses. She is wearing a patterned top under her regalia and has her hands clasped to the front holding her certificate. Part of the stair rail can be seen to her right On the wall between Sister Wilkinson and Sister Rowley are three vertical stain glass windows.Photographer stamp. Quote No. KJ 58royal district nursing service, rdns, fellows of acn, sister joanne wilkinson, miss norma bryan, sister pat (paddy) rowley

Sister Ford is based at Moorabbin Centre and is visiting a patient in her home to give her nursing care. Sr. Ford's uniform coat was of blue/grey herringbone winter material and the RDNS curved insignia is attached to her upper left sleeve, It has a royal blue background edged in white and the words "Royal District Nursing Service" written in white capital letters.The Trained nurses (Nurses) of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), visited patients in their home and gave best practice care in many fields of nursing, and to people of many cultures, throughout its 130 years of expansion. Initial visits not only assessed the specific nursing situation but the situation as a whole. Their patients ranged in age from babes, children, adults to the elderly and referrals were taken from Hospitals, General Practitioners and allied Health facilities. Some of the care their Trained nurses (Sisters) provided is as follows: – Post-Natal care given to mother and babe, Wound Care following various types of surgery, accidents, burns, cancer, leg ulcers etc. Supervising and teaching Diabetic Care, including teaching and supervising people with Diabetes to administer their own Insulin, and administering Insulin to those unable to give their own injections. Administering other injections and setting up weekly medication boxes. The Sisters performed Catheterizations on adults suffering from conditions such as Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Guillan-Barre Syndrome, and when required at school on children for e.g. those with Spina Bifida. The Sisters visited those requiring Cystic Fibrosis support and care; those requiring Haemo-Oncology care, including visiting children at school; those requiring Home Enteral Feeding care, and those requiring IV therapy at home and home Dialysis. Palliative Care was given including pain relief with the use of syringe drivers, personal care as needed, and advice and support to both patient and family. The Sisters provided Stoma management to those needing Urostomy, Ileostomy and Colostomy care and those requiring Continence care. HIV/AIDS nursing care was provided; visits to Homeless Persons were made. Personal care was given to patients ranging in age and with varying mobility problems, such as those with MS, MND, Guillan-Barre Syndrome, Poliomyelitis, Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Acquired Brain Injury, to those following a Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke), those with severe Arthritis and those with a form of Dementia. When necessary the elderly were assisted with personal care and advice given on safety factors with the use of hand rails, bath or shower seats, and hand showers. Rehabilitation with an aim towards independence remained at the forefront of the Sister’s minds and when possible using aids and instruction on safe techniques enabled the person to become fully independent. All care included giving advice and support to the patient and their Carers. The Sisters liaised with the persons Doctor, Hospital and allied Health personal when necessary.Black and white photograph showing Royal District Nursing Service,(RDNS), Sister H. Ford, who has long dark hair drawn back and is wearing her RDNS winter uniform grey coat with RDNS insignia on the upper sleeve, standing in front of the opened wire door on the veranda of a patient's home. She has her right hand resting on the door frame and she is holding the black handle on the top of her black oblong nursing case in her left hand. To her left is the partially opened white wooden door with upper glass area, with the partial view of a lady seen in the opening. The lady has dark short hair; is wearing glasses and a light coloured frock and cardigan. The white wooden boards of the house can be seen. Photographer stamp. Quote No. KY 60royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns patient care, sister h. ford, rdns centre

This photograph is taken in the Physiotherapy Department at Mount Royal Rehabilitation Hospital. The Physiotherapist is giving an Education session to RDNS Sisters. The Sisters are wearing the RDNS winter uniform, which was a blue/grey herringbone winter material V neck tunic style frock over a blue/grey skivvie. Sr. Peter is wearing the uniform beret style hat which was made of the herringbone winter material. Education was an integral part of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, later, in 1966, called Royal 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. Black and white photograph showing Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sisters observing in a Physiotherapy Department. Left to right - Sisters Judy Peter, who is wearing her uniform beret over her light coloured curly hair, and kneeling and leaning over, with her right hand resting on a white pillow which is on a large thick mat. Next is Sr. Sue Revill, who has dark shoulder length curled hair and is kneeling behind a lady who is lying on her left side on a the mat which is on the floor. She has her head on a white pillow and facing frontward. She has light coloured curled hair and is wearing a dark grey long sleeve top. Next is the Physiotherapist, who has long dark hair drawn back in a pony tail and is wearing a dark cardigan over a white blouse and grey frock. She is kneeling on the mat with her hands on the lady's side. Sister Helen Watt, who has collar length curled hair is kneeling to her right and is holding the lady's outstretched right arm and hand and looking toward the Physiotherapist. The Sisters are wearing the RDNS uniform of a light grey skivvie under a V neck tunic style dress with the RDNS insignia on the upper left. In the background are some some vertical bars attached to the wall and part of a pillow can be seen in front of these on the large mat. On the right of the photograph is a heater and above this windows are seen. Photographer stamp. Quote No. KY 82royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns education, sister judy peter, sister sue revill, sister helen watt