Part One - Medical services of the RAN Part 2 - Medical Services of the RAAF. Part 3 - Women in the Army Medical Services.Women in the Medical ServicesAustralia in the War of 1939-1945 - Medical Services of the RAN and RAAFAustralian War Memorialran raaf medical, building the naval medical service, medical stores and eqipment, living conditions in ships, prisoners of war, burns, infectious diseases, diseases of the skin, affections of the ear, nose and throat, dental branch, medical units in base areas and in the field, milne bay to noemfoor, morotai to philippines and borneo, aviation medical, medical aspects of survival, raaf nursing service, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, the australian army medical women's service

Resinol is used to treat several different types of skin ailments. Resinol was developed by Dr. Merville Hamilton Carter (1857-1939) in his private practice as treatment for his patients in Baltimore, Maryland during the late 19th century. In 1895, Carter, along with his brother Allan L. Carter and his cousin Henry Stier Dulaney founded the Resinol Chemical Company and began to mass-produce the ointment and other medical products. After over forty years of selling Resinol, the company had John H. Buffham & Co. as an outlet in Great Britain and was a successful global distributor. Henry LeRoy Carter Sr., the son of Dr. Carter, began running the company after the deaths of his father and other staff members. The company's sales began to decline in the 1940s, and after the death of Henry LeRoy Carter Sr. in 1951, his son Henry LeRoy Carter Jr. took the place of his father and grandfather as president of the Resinol Chemical Company. At that time, the company focused more on soap manufacturing, but continued to sell Resinol. For the rest of the 20th century, Resinol's popularity continued to dwindle. It was purchased by ResiCal Inc. in 2002.A clear glass jar with a metal screw top containing 'Resinol' antipruritic and sedative ointment. Lid : ‘RESINOL’ / ( Ungt Resinol) / ANTIPURITIC AND / LOCAL SEDATIVE / A Soothing Preparation THAT PROMOTES HEALING/ OF SKIN IRRITATIONS/ Prepared Only By/ RESINOL CHEMICAL CO. / BALTIMORE MO / USA.. Jar : THIS IS REAL RESINOL/ Beware of substitutions……….. / RESINOL/ For relief of Itching, Chafing, Dandruff Scales, /…………/ Chemically Pure………….pharmacy, medicines, thars ointment, thar chemical company, hospitals, nursing, containers, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, melbourne, baltimore usa, resinol chemical company, skin diseases, maryland usa, carter merville hamilton, buffham company england

WT Rawleigh (1870-1952) Freeport USA began in 1889 the direct selling method to sell his products, travelling around on horse and cart in the early days from house to house selling his medicines and other lines. Rawleigh's wide range of products includes: Medicinal, Nutritional, Gourmet, Homecare, Personal Care, Animal & Plant Care Since 1889, millions of families around the world have learned to rely upon and keep Rawleigh's reliable medicines and other products on hand ready for emergencies to relieve sickness, pains, injuries and for their daily needs. By 1920, young Rawleigh had built the biggest manufacturing organisation in the world. Mr Floyd George Rawleigh who was the son of David Rawleigh, W.T.Rawleigh's brother, came to Australia, with Mr Jackson, in 1931 and set up the Rawleighs Company Business . Generations of Australians, Canadians and Americans grew up waiting for The Rawleigh Man to arrive at their front door with his sample case of goodies to add spice to their life and to heal their ailments. In World War II, most Australian soldiers posted overseas carried a tin of Rawleigh Antiseptic Salve in their kits to treat wounds and ward off infection The Rawleigh Man brought to family front doors the best materials money could buy from around the world: spices from Sumatra, Java, China, India, Africa, the West Indies; black pepper from the island of Ponapai; lemon and orange oils from California and Sicily and Vanilla from Madagascar and Java; high grade coffee beans from the Andes. Most of the herbs, roots, barks and buds used in making cough medicines and tonics came from Europe, India, Ceylon, China, North America, the West Indies, Jamaica, Honduras and Asia. From Japan came camphor and menthol for making medicines. From Tavenui, the Garden Island of Fiji, came the food grade coconut oil for Rawleigh's gold medal winning Coconut Oil Soap. Rawleigh products are still only available from Rawleigh men and women who carry on the time-honoured tradition of the Rawleigh company to give individuals a go at developing their own business supplying products to people in their homes. Only now they are also doing it in cyberspace. A clear glass jar with a metal screw lid containing Mustard Ointment made by W.T. Rawleigh Co. Ltd. .Melbourne Lid ; Rawleigh’s Front ; Rawleigh’s / Net WT. / 1 ½ oz / COMPOUND / MUSTARD OINTMENT / WILL NOT BLISTER /preferable to Mustard Plaster / MNUFACTURED BY / The W, T. Rawleigh Co Ltd / MELBOURNE. / Left side ; DIRECTIONS …….. , / Right side ; Useful pharmacy, medicines, mustard ointment, w.t. rawleigh company ltd., hospitals, nursing, containers, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, melbourne, respiratory diseases

Nurse Marianne Maggs undertook medical care and midwifery from 1900 - 1926 and delivered more than 500 babies. She was presented with a "wireless" in 1926 in appreciation for her services to the community. She sold her Ringwood house and moved to Mitcham. 10 medical books from 1909 to 1935 1 . Homeopathic Vade Mecum Medical and Surgical by E.H.Ruddock M.D. Xmas gift from G Smith to Nurse Maggs 1909 2. The Doctor at Home Ed. by George Black Presented from friend to Mrs. A Maggs 12-12-1909 3. Illustrated Family Doctor 1935 4.The Practical Guide to Health Frederick Rossiter 5. Johnson and Johnson's First Aid Manual 1909, including booklet - Accidents in the Home 6. Diseases of Infants and Children and their Homeopathic Treatment Dr. Ruddock 1910, including lock of (child's?) hair. 7. Home Nursing St. John's Ambulance 1939 8. First Aid to the Injured 1921 (2 copies) 9. Modern First Aid A.S. PLayfair 1973

This file contains 10 items about the Regent Lodge Extension Appeal: 1/Three promotional pamphlets, all called ‘Regent Lodge: A special kind of care’, stating that a building appeal will be launched early next year. The pamphlets also list office bearers. 2/A letter from Rodney Horsfield, Chairperson of the Project Working group, to Betty Freeland of the Elsternwick-Caulfield South Parish, dated 25/03/1992, asking for her to consider becoming a member of the Appeal Team. The letter also contains information on the history of Regent Lodge, the plans for development and progress on raising funds to date. 3/A letter from Ian Clark, Chairman of the Regent Lodge Extension Appeal, to Betty Freeland, dated 18/05/1992, inviting her to the official launch of the Regent Lodge Extension Appeal at Caulfield Grammar School, 217 Glen Eira Road Caulfield on 31/05/1992. The letter gives brief details on the launch, saying it will be attended by the appeal’s patron, the Honourable Joan Child, AO, and the Playback Theatre company. 4/A letter, recipient and sender unknown, dated 26/05/1992, giving details of the appeal launch and a brief history of Regent Lodge. 5/Two newspaper articles from the Southern Cross, Caulfield, dated 16/06/1992. The first, ‘Grant boost for dementia sufferers’, discusses a federal government grant of $8 million to dementia services, and $9 million to disability services. Heathlands, Camden Court, Lovell House, Clarence Court, Regent Lodge and St. Kilda House all received funds. The second, ‘Lodge building appeal launched’, describes the Regent Lodge Extension Appeal and its launch, and includes brief comment by appeal patron Joan Child. The article describes the plans for the appeal and extension, and outlines how readers can make donations. Included is a black-and-white photograph of Joan Child with members of the Playback Theatre Group at the Appeal Launch. 6/The original of the photograph used in the newspaper article in item 5, showing Joan Child with members of the Playback Theatre Group at the launch of the Regent Lodge Extension Appeal. 7/A letter from Rod Horsfield, Convenor of the Project Working Group, to Betty Freeland, dated 22/06/1992, discussing the launch and asking for the opportunity to meet with her Parish council or Finance Committee. 8/The plans for the extension of Regent Lodge, as well as a colour drawing of what the front of the extension will look like. 9/Preliminary photographs taken for the appeal brochure ‘Regent Lodge: Committed to Caring’. Twelve black-and-white photographs of two elderly residents at tea. Also, one black-and-white photographs of an elderly resident being assisted by another person, likely a staff member. 10/Three copies of the appeal brochure ‘Regent Lodge: Committed to Caring’. The brochure contains information about the lodge, the plans for the development, including a floorplan for a typical six bedroom unit, the costs of the extension and breakdown of how the appeal target amount would be spent, and messages from patron Joan Child, Appeal Committee Chairman Ian Clark, and Convenor of the Project Working Group Reverend Rod Horsfield. Also included is a list of the members of the Appeal Committee and Project Working Group. Black-and-white photographs of residents and workers at the Lodge are included in the brochure.regent lodge, regent street, elsternwick, emma street, caulfield south, heathlands, camden court, lovell house, st. kilda house, balaclava, caulfield grammar school, glen eira road, st. georges road, caulfield, uniting church, uniting church lodge program, regent lodge alzeimer appeal, regent lodge extension appeal, tansley hunt and partners, nepean presbytery, child joan the honourable, horsefield rod rev., horsfield rod rev., horsfield rodney rev., lukies noela mrs., campbell jack, cardell bob, davies gail mrs., greensmith duncan, tansley vern, merrick ruth ms., seccull barbara ms., freeland betty miss, clark ian, wilcox rosemary mrs., coleman julie, playback theatre company, martens veronica mayor, brown george, terrell tom, diseases, disabled people, nursing homes, fundraising events, aged people

Primitive Woman - First nurse was the mother - probably a "matriarchal" head of the family. Men were the hunters and absent for long periods. Women grew seeds for food and likely first medicines. Infectious diseases depleted numbers and the sick were regarded as occurring through witchcraft. This resulted in the medicine man or witch doctor.Miniature Doll dressed in brown cloth sack dress carrying child on her back. Doll is 30cm tallName tag - Primitive Womennursing history, northern district school of nursing, first nurses

The RDNS Sisters are named in the photograph, L-R - Sister Megan Margaret Day who works in the Domiciliary Infant Maternal Care (DIMC) section of RDNS. The next Sister's name is unknown, and on the right is Sister Ruth Eileen McKeon who is a Nurse Educator with RDNS. The photograph is taken in the Education Department of Royal District Nursing Service, and the two Sisters are receiving instruction on the function of the organs of the human body from Sister McKeon. The Sisters are wearing the RDNS summer uniform of a white short sleeve blouse under a royal blue V neck tunic style frock. Education was an integral part of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, later, in 1966, called Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS). From 1885, only Trained nurses (Nurses), through the Hospital training system, were employed by the Society, and on visits to patients they taught the necessity of hygiene and cleanliness, as well as the need for a good diet, to bring about good health. Doctor’s lectures were later given at the MDNS home to instruct patients and their families on prevention of disease. Education to patients continued throughout the years regarding health care and the use of equipment in the home. In 1961, Education programs commenced at MDNS with Trained nurses (Sisters) receiving In-service education. Sr. Pat (Paddy) Rowley was a leader in In-service Education and established the RDNS Department of Community Nursing Education in 1962. Staff could also apply for scholarships to further their education outside of RDNS. Many of their senior Sisters received Postgraduate diplomas from the College of Nursing in Community Health Nursing, Education, and Administration, and several travelled overseas visiting nursing organizations viewing their public health and District nursing systems. At RDNS many programs were run, including: a Post Basic Course, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nursing, Haematology/Oncology Nursing, Palliative Care program, Diabetic Stabilization Program, Leg Ulcer Management Program, Wound Care Specialist Program, HIV/AIDS Nursing Care, Cystic Fibrosis Home Support, Veterans Home Care Program, Breast Cancer Support Program, Continence Management Program, Stomal Therapy Program, In-Home Lactation Support Program and the Homeless Persons Program. RDNS staff attended several hospitals to observe and learn special care needed to some clients, e.g. to the Austin Hospital to learn the care required for paraplegic and quadriplegic patients at home, and to Mount Royal Hospital to observe the care of patients 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. On the left of this black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister Megan Day, who has curled short dark hair and is wearing glasses. She is standing side-on facing to the right of the photograph. The index finger of her right hand is pointing to an area on the internal frontal view of a Human Torso Model which is sitting on a table to her right. Between her and the model is another Sister who has her long dark hair drawn back. She is looking at the internal organs in the Model. To the right of the Model is Sister Ruth McKeon, who has her long light colour hair drawn back into a French Twist. She is standing side-on facing to the left of the photograph, and is smiling as she holds one of the organs taken from the Model. When looking at the photograph, the left side of the Model's face is seen, and on the right side the Internal organs of the face are seen. The internal organs of the neck and torso of the Model are seen. A blackboard with writings about the function of 'The Heart' is In the background. The Sisters are all wearing their RDNS uniforms of a short sleeve white blouse under a V neck tunic style dress which has the RDNS logo on its upper left.Barry Sutton LY 66 namesrdns, rdns education, royal district nursing service, sister megan margaret day, sister ruth eileen mckeon

The photograph shows a group of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sisters receiving a lecture on 'Physical Handicap' given by Sr. Rowley in the Education Department at RDNS Headquarters 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. Sr. Rowley is the Principal Nurse Educator at RDNS.Education was an integral part of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, later, in 1966, called Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS). From 1885, only Trained nurses (Nurses), through the Hospital training system, were employed by the Society, and on visits to patients they taught the necessity of hygiene and cleanliness, as well as the need for a good diet, to bring about good health. Doctor’s lectures were later given at the MDNS home to instruct patients and their families on prevention of disease. Education to patients continued throughout the years regarding health care and the use of equipment in the home. In 1961, Education programs commenced at MDNS with Trained nurses (Sisters) receiving In-service education. Sr. Pat (Paddy) Rowley was a leader in In-service Education and established the RDNS Department of Community Nursing Education in 1962. Staff could also apply for scholarships to further their education outside of RDNS. Many of their senior Sisters received Postgraduate diplomas from the College of Nursing in Community Health Nursing, Education, and Administration, and several travelled overseas visiting nursing organizations viewing their public health and District nursing systems. At RDNS many programs were run, including: a Post Basic Course, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nursing, Haematology/Oncology Nursing, Palliative Care program, Diabetic Stabilization Program, Leg Ulcer Management Program, Wound Care Specialist Program, HIV/AIDS Nursing Care, Cystic Fibrosis Home Support, Veterans Home Care Program, Breast Cancer Support Program, Continence Management Program, Stomal Therapy Program, In-Home Lactation Support Program and the Homeless Persons Program. RDNS Sisters attended several hospitals to observe and learn special care needed to some patients, e.g. to the Austin Hospital to learn the care required for paraplegic and quadriplegic patients at home, and to Mount Royal Hospital to observe the care of patients 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. This black and white photograph shows the back view of four rows of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sisters sitting at small tables and looking toward Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley who is facing them. She is in the rear centre of the photograph. The 16 Sisters, some partly hidden, are wearing a variety of summer day clothes. Spectacle cases, pens, sheets of paper, and some books are on the tables in front of them. Sister Rowley who wears glasses; has short straight dark hair, is wearing a white short sleeve blouse under a dark V neck tunic style dress. She is looking at the group and her right hand is pointing to writing on a large blackboard standing to her right. To the left of the blackboard, a draped Human Torso Model sits on a table. A long dark curtain hangs behind part of the blackboard. Running along the left of the photograph is a wooden door with glass panels at the top, some light colour wall with a dark picture rail, and a set of double glass doors with long grey curtains either side. To the right of Sr. Rowley part of a large white board is seen hanging above and below the dark picture rail on the wall.Barry Sutton LY 69rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns education, sister pat (paddy) rowley

A Medical Student is explaining the use of a bottle of testing tablets to a lady who is a patient of RDNS. The Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister is holding testing equipment; i.e. the eye dropper and test tube in the receptacle, in her hands, and is observing the Medical Student giving instructions to the lady. The photograph is taken in the lady's home.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 Trained nurses (Sisters) receiving In-service education. Sr. Pat (Paddy) Rowley was a leader in In-service Education and established the RDNS Department of Community Nursing Education in 1962. Staff could also apply for scholarships to further their education outside of RDNS. At RDNS many programs were run, including: a Post Basic Course, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nursing, Haematology/Oncology Nursing, Palliative Care program, Diabetic Stabilization Program, Leg Ulcer Management Program, Wound Care Specialist Program, HIV/AIDS Nursing Care, Cystic Fibrosis Home Support, Veterans Home Care Program, Breast Cancer Support Program, Continence Management Program, Stomal Therapy Program, In-Home Lactation Support Program. RDNS Sisters attended several hospitals to observe and learn special care needed to some patients, e.g. to the Austin Hospital to learn the care required for paraplegic and quadriplegic patients at home and to Mount Royal Hospital to observe the care of patients in the rehabilitation ward. RDNS moved its Education Department from 452 St. Kilda Road to 448 St. Kilda Road in 1974. 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 for 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.In the left foreground of this black and white photograph is the partial view of two metal 4 prong sticks.To their right, seated on a long dark vinyl type couch, is a Medical Student who has short curly black hair; is wearing a white hospital coat over grey trousers, a white shirt, and a tie with small black and white squares. A stethoscope is folded in the pocket of his coat. He is turned toward the right of the photograph and is holding, on its side, a small bottle in his left hand and is pointing his right index finger to writing on its label. An elderly lady who is wearing glasses and has wavy grey hair is sitting to his right and is looking at the label on the bottle. She is wearing a black skirt and black sleeveless jacket over a black and white patterned blouse. Her hands are clasped in her lap. Sitting to her right, and facing the lady, is a Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister who has her long dark hair drawn back. She is wearing a white short sleeve gown over her uniform, and is holding a white oblong receptacle which holds a test tube, which has dark fluid in the bottom, and an eye dropper. In front of her, is a white 'inner tray' which is clipped onto the front edge of an open oblong black RDNS nursing case which is in the right foreground of the photograph sitting on a long, narrow, low table. On the table and to the left of the case a small white hospital drape runs along the table.Barry Sutton MA 24royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns patient care, rdns education

This photograph is taken in the Education Department at Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). Principal Nurse Educator, Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley is instructing the group in the Anatomy of the Brain. Jan Turski is a Trained nurse (Sister) working in the Domiciliary Infant and Maternal Care (DIMC) section of RDNS. Pat Walker is a Sister from Geelong, Lynne Lambert is a Sister from Qld, Paula McBreen is a Sister from St. Vincent's Hospital and Liz Seymour-Smith is a Sister from Qld. Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley is wearing the RDNS winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a blue/grey V neck tunic style frock made out of herringbone winter material.Education was an integral part of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, later, in 1966, called Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS). From 1885, only Trained Nurses (Nurses), through the Hospital training system, were employed by the Society, and on visits to patients they taught the necessity of hygiene and cleanliness, as well as the need for a good diet, to bring about good health. Doctor’s lectures were later given at the MDNS home to instruct patients and their families on prevention of disease. Education to patients continued throughout the years regarding health care and the use of equipment in the home. In 1961, Education programs commenced at MDNS with Trained nurses (Sisters) receiving In-service education. Sr. Pat (Paddy) Rowley was a leader in In-service Education and established the RDNS Department of Community Nursing Education in 1962. Sisters could also apply for scholarships to further their education outside of RDNS. Many of their senior Sisters received Postgraduate diplomas from the College of Nursing in Community Health Nursing, Education, and Administration, and several travelled overseas visiting nursing organizations viewing their public health and District nursing systems. At RDNS many programs were run, including: a Post Basic Course, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nursing, Haematology/Oncology Nursing, Palliative Care program, Diabetic Stabilization Program, Leg Ulcer Management Program, Wound Care Specialist Program, HIV/AIDS Nursing Care, Cystic Fibrosis Home Support, Veterans Home Care Program, Breast Cancer Support Program, Continence Management Program, Stomal Therapy Program, In-Home Lactation Support Program and the Homeless Persons Program. RDNS Sisters attended several hospitals to observe and learn special care needed to some patients, e.g. to the Austin Hospital to learn the care required for paraplegic and quadriplegic patients at home, and to Mount Royal Hospital to observe the care of patients 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. This black and white photograph shows, standing L-R, a side-on view of Jan Turski, who has short, straight light hair and is wearing a dark cardigan and white and black hound's-tooth check skirt; she is facing right. Next is Pat Walker, who has short dark hair and is wearing a grey jumper over a check skirt. Then, Lynne Lambert, who has short wavy dark hair, and is wearing a white jumper, with a pendant hanging down it, over grey slacks. She is holding half of an Anatomical brain in her right hand. Next is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Principal Nurse Educator, Pat (Paddy) Rowley, who is looking towards the left of the photograph at the Anatomical brain held by Lynne Lambert. She is wearing glasses, has short dark hair and is wearing a light grey skivvie under a darker V neck tunic style frock. She is holding an open book in her hands. Next is Paula McBreen, who has shoulder length dark hair and is wearing a dark cardigan over a grey skivvie, with a pendant hanging down it, and a check skirt. She is smiling and looking to her right toward the others. On the far right, side-on and facing the others on the left of the photograph, is Liz Seymour-Smith who has shoulder length dark hair and is wearing a dark grey skivvie, and white, with dark check, slacks. In front of the group is a round dark wooden top table, which has a book and open folder on it, as well as a round white plastic base with the other half of the anatomical brain sitting in it.Barry Sutton MB 30royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns education, sister jan turski, sister pat (paddy) rowley, sister lynne lambert, sister pat walker, sister paula mcbreen, sister liz seymour-smith

This photograph is taken in the bedroom of the man's home in the suburbs of Melbourne. It depicts one of the types of nursing care given by Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Sisters in the community. The Sister is visiting the man's home and is administering an injection which has been ordered by a doctor. Glass syringes were used by the Society until the mid 1960s and were re sterilized for future use. After this time plastic disposable syringes were used.The Trained nurses of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), visited patients in their home and gave best practice care in many fields of nursing and to people of many cultures throughout its 130 years of expansion. Initial visits not only assessed the specific nursing situation but the situation as a whole. Their patients ranged in age from babes, children, adults to the elderly and referrals were taken from Hospitals, General Practitioners and allied Health facilities. Some of the care provided was: – 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. RDNS 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, Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Acquired Brain Injury, following a Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke), those with severe Arthritis and those with a form of Dementia. When necessary the elderly were assisted with personal care and advice given on safety factors with the use of hand rails, bath or shower seats, and hand showers. Rehabilitation with an aim towards independence remained at the forefront of the Sister’s minds and when possible using aids and instruction on safe techniques enabled the person to become fully independent. All care included giving advice and support to the patient and their Carers. The Sisters liaised with the persons Doctor, Hospital and allied Health personal when necessary.On the left of this black and white photograph, is a Melbourne District Nursing Society Sister who is standing side-on and leaning slightly forward as she administers an injection into the right upper arm of a gentleman to her right who is sitting up in bed resting against two white covered pillows. The male patient has short dark hair; is wearing glasses, and is looking up at the Sister. He is wearing a thick grey cardigan over a pale colour pyjama top which has dark piping; the lower part of his body is covered by a dark and light coloured check bed cover. The bed has a solid wooden headrest with a bed lamp attached to its upper right. The Sister who is wearing her uniform grey brimmed hat over her dark short hair, is wearing a white gown over her grey uniform, the collar of which is seen. Three fingers of her left hand are holding back the pushed up sleeve of the man's cardigan and she is holding a white swab between her thumb and first finger. She has a glass syringe resting in her right hand with her thumb and forefinger resting against the lower glass and metal section of the syringe; part of the metal needle is seen, the rest is inserted in the mans upper arm. On the far left of the photograph part of a dressing table mirror can be seen.' Rough Proof' Latrobe Studios Ref No. 59134-8melbourne district nursing service, mdns, royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns - injection

Sister Beryl Hawker is a District Nurse working for the Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) and is leaving their Headquarters at 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne to give nursing care to a patient in their home situated in a Melbourne suburb. She is wearing the MDNS winter uniform grey wool coat over her grey cotton dress with white collar. A red Maltese cross is attached to the centre of her grey wool beret. Her nursing case contains an apron, hand towel, thermometer, instruments, dressings and lotions.The Trained nurses of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), visited patients in their home and gave best practice care in many fields of nursing and to people of many cultures throughout its 130 years of expansion. Initial visits not only assessed the specific nursing situation but the situation as a whole. Their patients ranged in age from babes, children, adults to the elderly and referrals were taken from Hospitals, General Practitioners and allied Health facilities. Some of the care provided was: – 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. RDNS 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, Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Acquired Brain Injury, 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.Sister Beryl Hawker, who has short dark hair, is smiling as she is leaving Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) Headquarters. She is wearing the MDNS uniform of an ankle length double breasted grey wool coat and wool beret with a central Maltese cross. Part of the MDNS insignia is seen at the top of her left sleeve. In her right hand she is carrying a rectangular nursing case and a light colour soft material bag. She is standing in front of the open metal spike gate between the two square grey concrete pillars of the gateway; the black numbers '452' are written on a white background on the top section of each pillar. A spiked metal fence is attached and running to the right of the right pillar; attached to this and close to the pillar, is a white plaque with black capital letters reading: 'Melbourne District Nursing Service Headquarters'. In the background is a paved path leading to part of a building with part of three arches seen and above this some concrete balustrade. A large pedestal concrete flower urn sits next to the partially seen steps leading up to the building. Some low bushes are seen behind the fence and in front of the building.59134-11melbourne district nursing service, mdns, mdns uniform, mdns headquarters, sister beryl hawker, royal district nursing service, rdns

This photograph depicts a Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) Sister administering an injection to a gentleman in his own home in the suburbs of Melbourne. The Sister is wearing the MDNS winter grey uniform short sleeve dress and grey wool beret with a central red Maltese cross. Glass syringes were used until the mid 1960s when plastic disposable syringes were then used.The Trained nurses of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), then Melbourne District Nursing Service from 1957, and from 1966 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, 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. This photograph depicts Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) Sister Mary Maxwell administering an injection into the left upper arm of Mr Cannestra. On the left of the photograph Mr Cannestra is sitting on the padded arm of his patterned couch; he has his left arm extended. His head, which is bald with some white hair at the side and rear, is turned towards the Sister who is standing on his right. He is wearing a grey shirt and his grey trousers are held up with braces. Sister Maxwell is wearing a white gown over her grey uniform with the collar seen. She is wearing a grey wool beret with central Maltese cross, over her short, dark hair. She is standing beside the patient and her left hand is holding his left arm with his shirt sleeve rolled up to expose his upper arm. She is holding the angled barrel of a glass and metal syringe in her right hand and some of the needle can be seen against Mr. Cannestra's arm. In the background the wall is covered with a striped wallpaper, and to the right part of a long floral curtain can be seen. To the right in the foreground, a round dark tray with jar, small bottle containing the medication for injection, a glass and a white cloth, sit on a small round table with a white and patterned tablecloth.La Trobe Street Studios. Reference number 59134-21melbourne district nursing service, mdns, mdns - injection, royal district nursing service, rdns, sister mary maxwell, mr cannestra

The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses (Sisters) are receiving their morning briefing from Matron D. Tupper before leaving their Headquarters at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood to go to their areas (districts) in the Melbourne suburbs to give nursing care to patients in their homes The Sisters averaged 30 calls a day each, mainly wound dressings; personal care, mostly sponges in bed; and injections (insulin and diabetes management). The Trained nurses of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), visited patients in their home and gave best practice care in many fields of nursing, and to people of many cultures, throughout its 130 years of expansion. Initial visits not only assessed the specific nursing situation but the situation as a whole. Their patients ranged in age from babes, children, adults to the elderly and referrals were taken from Hospitals, General Practitioners and allied Health facilities. Some of the care the Sisters provided is as follows: – Post-Natal care given to mother and babe, Wound Care following various types of surgery, accidents, burns, cancer, leg ulcers etc. Supervising and teaching Diabetic Care, including teaching and supervising people with Diabetes to administer their own Insulin, and administering Insulin to those unable to give their own injections. Administering other injections and setting up weekly medication boxes. The Sisters performed Catheterizations on adults suffering from conditions such as Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Guillan-Barre Syndrome, and when required at school on children for e.g. those with Spina Bifida. The Sisters visited those requiring Cystic Fibrosis support and care; those requiring Haemo-Oncology care, including visiting children at school; those requiring Home Enteral Feeding care, and those requiring IV therapy at home and home Dialysis. Palliative Care was given including pain relief with the use of syringe drivers, personal care as needed, and advice and support to both patient and family. The Sisters provided Stoma management to those needing Urostomy, Ileostomy and Colostomy care and those requiring Continence care. HIV/AIDS nursing care was provided; visits to Homeless Persons were made. Personal care was given to patients ranging in age and with varying mobility problems, such as those with MS, MND, Guillan-Barre Syndrome, 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.This photograph depicts five Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Sisters of varying heights standing in a row. They are wearing their grey long sleeve uniform dresses which have peaked collars, a pocket on the upper left and lower right, and white buttons down the centre. They are all wearing their grey brimmed hats over their short dark curled hair. From left to right is Sister (Sr) J Faust, who is looking down at a clipboard she is holding in her left hand which has paper held on it by a black bulldog clip. There is writing on the top sheet of white paper and she is holding a pen in her right hand poised near a section of writing on the paper. Next is Sr. M Sexton who is looking at the camera, then Sr. B Nunn who is looking towards a mainly hidden person on the far right. The next two are Sr E Blair, who has items in her lower pocket, and Sr B White who are both looking at the clipboard and paper held by Sr. Faust. In the far lower right corner of the photograph you can see the fingers of hands holding a sheet of paper. There is no further vision of this person.Operator 59. Finisher 30melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns uniforms, royal district nursing service, rdns, sister j. faust, sister m. sexton, sister b. nunn, sister e. blair, sister b. white

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

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

This Certificate was presented to Trained nurse, known as 'Nurse' in those days, Nettie Osborne on completion of six months employment with Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS). This is the only example of a MDNS Nurses certificate in the RDNS collection. In 1913 the MDNS Nurses had their board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expenses provided. Newly employed Nurses were paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary was increased by £5, and later she earned £60 a year. .Following the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in February 1885 to care for the sick poor in Melbourne, subsequent meetings were held to form a Committee and to draw up a Code of Rules of the Society. It was decided that only nurses who had attended a Hospital Nurses Training School and were fully qualified would be employed by the Society. After interviewing several candidates, it was on the first of May 1885 when the first Trained nurse, known as 'Nurse' in those days, Mrs. Ferguson, was employed by MDNS with a salary of £100 per annum. 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 agreed to assist the Nurse with advice at any time. In rotation, a member of the Superintendence Sub-Committee supervised the Nurse’s visits and could assist to alleviate some poor social conditions they found. A second Nurse, Mrs. Joanna Cannon was employed by MDNS six months later, with a trial period of six months which was extended. They 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 illness through the heaviness of the work. Nurses salaries were reduced to account for the cost of uniforms, and then when establishments were rented by the Society and the Nurses could now live in the Nurses Home. The Nurses 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 liaised with Doctors and 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. 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. They provided 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. As the work increased a third 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. A Trained Midwife was employed in August 1893. The work was arduous, 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; straw hats were worn in summer. 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. Public transport was also used over the years, in conjunction with a Motor Auxiliary from 1929 to 1971. MDNS began with its own small fleet of vehicles in the early 1950s which gradually expanded into a full fleet.The coloured Certificate is made of white paper attached to a buff card forming a boarder. It is in gold print on the white background which has a thin gold border. In large bold script are the words "Melbourne District Nursing Society" In between the words "District" and "Nursing" is a red Maltese cross which extends above and below the writing. Underneath this, in smaller capital letters, are the words "For Nursing Sick Poor In Their Own Homes"/. Below this in bold script are the words "This is to Certify that"/. Under this, written in black handwriting, is "Nurse Nettie Osborne"/; below this in script is "has acted in the capacity of District Nurse", then in black handwriting the words "Six Months"/. The next two lines read "having fulfilled her Duties to the satisfaction of her Committee, /"and appreciation of her Patients". The Certificate is signed in black by Mary Leeper, Vice President; Kate Hood; Hon. Treasurer; C.M. Tatham Hon. Secretary, and has Date; 8th July 1913 in black handwriting. On paper attached with tape to the back of the Certificate, is a copy of a photograph of two unidentified people. [Possibly Nettie and her husband]. Some small marks, and in one area a small area of cracking is seen on the white background of the certificate.certificates, mdns, melbourne district nursing society, rdns, royal district nursing service, nurse nettie osborne

Sr. Pat (Paddy) Rowley is the Principal Nurse Educator at RDNS and is giving a lecture to RDNS Sisters in the Education Department at 452 St. Kilda Rd, Melbourne. She is wearing the RDNS summer uniform of a white short sleeve blouse under a royal blue V neck tunic style frock with the RDNS insignia on the upper left.Education was an integral part of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, later, in 1966, called Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS). From 1885, only Trained Nurses (Nurses), through the Hospital training system, were employed by the Society, and on visits to patients they taught the necessity of hygiene and cleanliness, as well as the need for a good diet, to bring about good health. Doctor’s lectures were later given at the MDNS home to instruct patients and their families on prevention of disease. Education to patients continued throughout the years regarding health care and the use of equipment in the home. In 1961, Education programs commenced at MDNS with Trained nurses (Sisters) receiving In-service education. Sr. Pat (Paddy) Rowley was a leader in In-service Education and established the RDNS Department of Community Nursing Education in 1962. Staff could also apply for scholarships to further their education outside of RDNS. Many of their senior Sisters received Postgraduate diplomas from the College of Nursing in Community Health Nursing, Education, and Administration, and several travelled overseas visiting nursing organizations viewing their public health and District nursing systems. At RDNS many programs were run, including: a Post Basic Course, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nursing, Haematology/Oncology Nursing, Palliative Care program, Diabetic Stabilization Program, Leg Ulcer Management Program, Wound Care Specialist Program, HIV/AIDS Nursing Care, Cystic Fibrosis Home Support, Veterans Home Care Program, Breast Cancer Support Program, Continence Management Program, Stomal Therapy Program, In-Home Lactation Support Program and the Homeless Persons Program. RDNS Sisters attended several hospitals to observe and learn special care needed to some patients, e.g. to the Austin Hospital to learn the care required for paraplegic and quadriplegic patients at home, and to Mount Royal Hospital to observe the care of patients 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. This black and white photograph shows Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley and seventeen (some partly hidden), Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sisters. The bulk of the photograph shows the front view of three rows of RDNS Sisters sitting at tables which have books and sheets of paper on them. The Sisters are wearing a variety of day clothes. In the right foreground of the Photograph is a table containing papers, and standing to its right, facing the group, is the back view of Sr. Rowley, who has short dark hair and glasses. She has her left hand on a sheet of paper on the table. She is wearing her RDNS uniform of a white short sleeve blouse under a dark tunic style frock. In the rear of the photograph a brick fireplace can be seen with some books and a vase of flowers on the mantelpiece. On the right is a long curtain, some lockers and an open wooden door with glass panel. Some of the Sisters named are:- Ann Greenwood, Judy Peter, Ethel Fullarton, Barbara Lovell, Shirley Lewis, Jane Ball..Barry Sutton Stamp. Quote LY 68royal district nursing service (1966-2017), rdns, rdns education, sister ethel fullerton, sister barbara lovell, sister shirley lewis, sister jane ball, sister pat (paddy) rowley, sister ann greenwood, sister judy peter

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

This black and white photograph shows a group of RDNS Sisters who are part of the Post Basic Community Nursing Course. They are receiving education from Sr. Pat (Paddy) Rowley, RDNS Principal Nurse Educator. The session is being held in the Education Department at the Royal District Nursing Service Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Rd, Melbourne.The RDNS winter uniform worn is a blue/grey skivvie under a blue/grey V neck tunic style herringbone winter material frock.Melbourne District Nursing Service ran its first Post-Basic Course for community nurses in 1962. Sisters attended the course for 12 weeks. The course ran annually until the mid 1990s. Education was an integral part of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, later, in 1966, called Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS). From 1885, only Trained nurses (Nurses) through the Hospital training system, were employed by the Society, and on visits to patients they taught the necessity of hygiene and cleanliness, as well as the need for a good diet, to bring about good health. Doctor’s lectures were later given at the MDNS home to instruct patients and their families on prevention of disease. Education to patients continued throughout the years regarding health care and the use of equipment in the home. In 1961, Education programs commenced at MDNS with their Trained nurses (Sisters) receiving In-service education. Sr. Pat (Paddy) Rowley was a leader in In-service Education and established the RDNS Department of Community Nursing Education in 1962. Staff could also apply for scholarships to further their education outside of RDNS. Many of their senior Sisters received Postgraduate diplomas from the College of Nursing in Community Health Nursing, Education, and Administration, and several travelled overseas visiting nursing organizations viewing their public health and District nursing systems. At RDNS many programs were run, including: a Post Basic Course, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nursing, Haematology/Oncology Nursing, Palliative Care program, Diabetic Stabilization Program, Leg Ulcer Management Program, Wound Care Specialist Program, HIV/AIDS Nursing Care, Cystic Fibrosis Home Support, Veterans Home Care Program, Breast Cancer Support Program, Continence Management Program, Stomal Therapy Program, In-Home Lactation Support Program and the Homeless Persons Program. RDNS staff attended several hospitals to observe and learn special care needed to some patients, e.g. to the Austin Hospital to learn the care required for paraplegic and quadriplegic patients at home, and to Mount Royal Hospital to observe the care of patients 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 RDNS Sisters. This black and white photograph is of a group of seven Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sisters sitting in a semi-circle in two rows at single small two shelf tables. There are open white paged books or papers on each table and some of the Sisters have pens in their hands. The Sister sitting in the front far right is Sr. Affleck, who has dark short curly hair. The other Sisters have dark short hair in various styles. Further right in the photograph stands Sr. Rowley, who has dark short hair and is wearing glasses. She has her left hand supporting a torso of an anatomical model which is sitting on a table slightly to her left. She and the Sisters are looking at the vertebrae down the spine of the model. Another empty table is in front of the semi-circle and it sits in the centre foreground of the photograph. In the rear between Sr. Affleck and Sr. Rowley, a piece of equipment stands on a table. To the right of the photograph part of a large blackboard can be seen. The Sisters are wearing light grey skivvies under a darker V neck tunic style frock with the RDNS insignia on its upper left.Photographers stamp. Quote No. LD 8rdns education, rdns uniform, royal district nursing service, sister pat (paddy) rowley, sister margaret affleck

The photograph appeared in the MDNS Annual Report of 1922 and is taken on the veranda of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Nurses Home at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. The Sisters lived and worked out of the Nurses Home from June 1914 to 1953. They attended the disadvantaged in the inner suburbs of Melbourne. The Sisters and Matron are wearing the grey uniform and hat with a red Maltese cross is in the centre of the hatband which was introduced in 1921. These Sisters, plus two others visited 29.079 visits in the metropolitan area and in suburbs as far distant as Elwood, Glen Huntly, Deepdene, Essendon and Fairfield. Of the 1666 patients on the books 394 were midwifery patients nursed in their own homes. It is believed the Matron in the photograph is Matron Reynolds. In February 1885 it was recognized that nursing care was needed for the sick poor in inner Melbourne. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded on the 17th of February with one Trained nurse (Nurse) who qualified under the Hospital training system, commencing on the 1st of May, and a second employed six months later, both working in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care. They provided high quality 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. The also supplied 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 and clothes as necessary. 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 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. The Nurses were becoming exhausted, particularly in the heat of summer. Permission to use bicycles was given to them 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. Their use caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chins, now being used. In 1904 the Society relocated to rented premises at 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street in Fitzroy. In 1913 a Nurse had her ‘board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expenses’ provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary was 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. In 1914 the Society was at last able to purchase their own premises, 'Floraston' 39 Victoria Parade in Collingwood. During the Spanish Influenza 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. It was recorded on the 21st of May, that the seven Nurses had visited 1,212 persons with influenza in the last three months, how many visits to each is not known. In the whole of 1918 the Nurses, including midwifery cases, visited 1,100 persons. It was also recorded on May 7th the Nurses were delivering 100 quarts of soup to the needy each morning. In winter they also carried wood in the cars to distribute to their destitute patients as needed. In 1921-22 many of the people nursed by the Trained nurses (Sisters) suffered from malignant and tubercular disease, often the Sister would visit to find the patient was desperately ill living in a room alone and no one there to even give them a drink. In these cases the Sister would send them to hospital, but if possible most cases were nursed in their home. During July 1921- 30 June 1922 the four Midwifery trained Sisters averaged 8 confinement cases a week and sometimes gave Post Natal care to 15 to 18 patients a day. At the time of confinement a Student from the Women's Hospital accompanied the MDNS Sister and if complications occurred the patient was transferred to the Women's Hospital. The Society often had to provide blankets, sheets, set of baby clothes and night gowns for the mother. In many instances the Society provided milk for many months. The midwifery Sisters often travelled long distances in the cars Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state they were sold in 1927 and the Sisters went back to using public transport, as well as their bicycles which continued to be used in inner areas until 1945.. The Midwives used taxis when a birth was imminent. Black and white photograph showing 9 Sisters, 5 standing at rear and Matron, in the centre, of 4 seated Sisters on a balcony wearing their Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) uniforms of grey coats, with revered collars and belt, over their partly seen grey uniforms with white collars. Five of the Sisters are wearing glasses. All are wearing grey brimmed hats with a Maltese cross in the centre of the lighter colour hatband. Part of deep metal scroll work of the veranda rail can be seen. A concrete wall is behind the Sisters.mdns, mdns matron, miss reynolds, royal district nursing service, rdns, melbourne district nursing society, mdns uniforms

The Sister-in-Charge, Florence Lee-Archer, and a Trained nurse (Nurse) are about to leave the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Nurses Home at No. 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy to visit patients. The MDNS moved into these larger premises at No. 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy in May 1904. This establishment was their Headquarters as well as the Nurses Home. Sister-in-Charge Florence Lee-Archer and five Trained nurses, known as 'Nurse' in those days, were employed by MDNS at that time to visit and give nursing care to the poor in their own homes. In 1885, 50 years after Melbourne was founded, it was recognized that nursing care was needed for the sick poor in inner Melbourne. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded in February 1885 with one Trained nurse, called 'Nurse' in those days, and a second employed six months later, working in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care and liaised with Doctors. They provided high quality nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease and teaching the importance of cleanliness, fresh air and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. Trained midwives began home births in August 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe as needed. The Nurses provided 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. The Nurses were becoming exhausted, particularly in the heat of summer. Permission to use bicycles was given to them 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. Their use caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chins, now being used and straw hats in summer. In 1904 the Society relocated to rented premises at 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street in Fitzroy. In 1913 a nurse had her ‘board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expenses’ provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary was 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.Digital Image showing, on the right, Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Sister-in-Charge Florence Lee-Archer wearing a long white uniform and white cap with long white tail (veil) seen hanging from its rear. On her left, is a MDNS Trained nurse (Nurse) wearing a long grey uniform with white collar and cuffs, and wearing a pale colour straw hat with Maltese cross in the centre of the white hatband. The hat is held on by a veil over the hat and tied under her chin. They are standing by their bicycles, the front wheels and handlebars seen; the Nurse has a nursing bag attached to the handlebars of her bicycle. Behind them and to their right, a black sign with the words 'Melbourne District Nursing Society - For Nursing the Sick Poor in their Own Homes' written in white capital letters can be seen attached to the metal spiked fence. Behind this are some shrubs and part of a building in the rear.Melbourne District Nursing Society - For Nursing The Sick Poor In Their Own Homes.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns headquarters, mdns matron, rdns, royal district nursing service, sister florence lee-archer

This digital image is taken at the home of a Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) patient, and depicts a MDNS Sister attending to a lady who is lying in a wicker bed pram in the rear garden of her home. The wicker bed pram enabled the lady to enjoy fresh air and to be moved about easily. The image shows the MDNS uniform of a grey cotton frock with white collar, and a grey brimmed hat with a red Maltese cross in the centre of the hatband. In 1885, 50 years after Melbourne was founded, it was recognized that nursing care was needed for the sick poor in inner Melbourne. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded in February 1885 with one Trained nurse, known as 'Nurse' in those days, and a second employed six months later,. 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. This image shows a Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurse (Sister) wearing a grey uniform with white collar, and a grey brimmed hat, which has a hatband with Maltese cross applied, standing behind and attending an elderly lady patient laying in a wicker bed pram outside her home. The Sister has her right hand resting on the pram and is looking down at the lady, and the lady, who has short grey hair, is smiling and looking toward the camera. Her body is covered with a floral cover. To the left, part of the horizontal weatherboards of a wooden house can be seen, and to the right and rear, a brick, tiled hip roof, building can be seen. The wicker bed pram has four spoked wheels and a metal frame that bends up to form a handle on its right hand side.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns nurses, mdns patient care, mdns uniforms, rdns, royal district nursing service

This photograph is a record of Matron Beatrice Williams with some of the Trained nurses (Sisters) who worked in the District division of Melbourne District Nursing Society After Care Home in 1933, just prior to Matron Williams resigning to be married. It was taken in front of the Nurses Home at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood and shows part of the District nursing uniform worn by the MDNS Sisters in the 1930s. At that time their uniform dresses, worn under their coats, were grey cotton and their brimmed hats were made of felt and had a red Maltese cross applied to the centre front of the hatband.Miss Beatrice Williams worked as a Trained Nurse (Sister) with the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) before going to England to gain her Midwifery certificate. After qualifying, she worked as a Tutor sister and a District Superintendent at the University College Hospital in London. On returning to Australia she was appointed, in April 1929, Matron of the District division of the MDNS After-Care Home (Hospital from 1934). She convinced the Committee of the need for Ante Natal care and in 1930 the Ante Natal Clinic was opened at the After-Care. She continued as Matron until 1933 when she married Dr. J.P Major, and was invited to join the Committee of Management. In the early 1950s when the Government requested the Society separate and it take over the After Care Hospital, she became President of the now named Melbourne District Nursing Service with its Headquarters and Nursing Home moving to 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. Beatrice had an understanding of the poor, the sick and the aged, and was known for her kindness and sympathy. Her foresight, leadership and enthusiasm brought forth the expansion of District nursing. She died on the 15th of August 1958. The Trained nurses of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), visited patients in their home and gave best practice care in many fields of nursing, and to people of many cultures, throughout its 130 years of expansion. Initial visits not only assessed the specific nursing situation but the situation as a whole. Their patients ranged in age from babes, children, adults to the elderly and referrals were taken from Hospitals, General Practitioners and allied Health facilities. Some of the care the Sisters provided is as follows: – Post-Natal care given to mother and babe, Wound Care following various types of surgery, accidents, burns, cancer, leg ulcers etc. Supervising and teaching Diabetic Care, including teaching and supervising people with Diabetes to administer their own Insulin, and administering Insulin to those unable to give their own injections. Administering other injections and setting up weekly medication boxes. The Sisters performed Catheterizations on adults suffering from conditions such as Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Guillan-Barre Syndrome, and when required at school on children for e.g. those with Spina Bifida. The Sisters visited those requiring Cystic Fibrosis support and care; those requiring Haemo-Oncology care, including visiting children at school; those requiring Home Enteral Feeding care, and those requiring IV therapy at home and home Dialysis. Palliative Care was given including pain relief with the use of syringe drivers, personal care as needed, and advice and support to both patient and family. The Sisters provided Stoma management to those needing Urostomy, Ileostomy and Colostomy care and those requiring Continence care. HIV/AIDS nursing care was provided; visits to Homeless Persons were made. Personal care was given to patients ranging in age and with varying mobility problems, such as those with MS, MND, Guillan-Barre Syndrome, 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 Matron, Miss Beatrice Williams, wearing a white uniform and veil over her short dark hair, and a group of thirteen Melbourne District Nursing Society Trained nurses (Sisters) outside the front of their Nurses Home. The Sisters are wearing grey coats over their grey uniforms and grey brimmed hats with a Maltese cross applied to the white headband. Matron is sitting in the centre of six Sisters and there are seven Sisters standing behind them on the veranda; a round column is seen to the right between the 4th and 5th Sisters. Part of the grey building behind shows an open door to the left and a long window to the right. A scrolled metal safety rail, running from the round column, is seen in front of the three nurses on the right. 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