Button distributed to and worn by Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) members working in emergency departments. The Royal Australian Nursing Federation became the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) in 1989, and then became the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation in 2013, suggesting this badge is from the 1990s or early 2000s.Circular green and red plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with 'EMERGENCY NURSES', 'Fighting For Your Life' and 'Australian Nursing Federation Victorian Branch'.nursing, emergency department, hospital, accident and emergency, nurses, emergency nurses, badges, buttons, pins, trade unions, labour history, patient care, australian nursing federation, victoria

Black hard covered book of 1038 pp with index, colour and b/w.illus. binding is textured with leather spine and corners. the book begins with a colour fold-out figure of a pregnant woman plus other colour plates. Page edges are marbled. The envelope in the back contains a small booklet,"Directions for Emergency Confinement In The Home" non-fictionnursing, medicine, eulalia richards, eulalia s richards, medical, women, scarlet fever, diptheria

Community information booklet issued by City of Ringwood for 1989 - covering the facilities and activities of the Ringwood Council and other local organisations and associations. Cover photographs: Front - Fern Gully at Ringwood Lake, Poppett Head at rear of Lake, Athletics Track. Back - Highland Carnival, Wombalano Park, Miners Cottage at Ringwood Lake, Bike Path, Water Cascade at rear of Lake.CONTENTS: (page no.) 1. COUNCIL SERVICES After School Activities Programme 29 Aged Services 31, 32 & 33 Aquatic Centre 20 & 21 Budget 14 Building Information 16 By-Laws 26 Chief Executive's Message 9 Children's Services 29 Civic Centre 4 Committees of Council 5 Common Questions 36 Community Plan 10 & 11 Council Meeting Dates 4 Council Representatives 8 Councillors 6 & 7 Dogs 26 Dual Occupancy 12 Emergency Telephone Numbers 63 Family Day Care 29 Fire Hazards 27 Garbage 34 & 35 Golf Course 24 Home Handyman Services 31 Home Help 31 Incinerators 26 Knaith Road Child Care Centre 29 Library 23 Maternal and Child Health 28 Mayoral Message – Cr. R. Gardini 3 Meals on Wheels 31 Members of Parliament 62 Parks and Gardens 18 Rates 25 Residential Development Provisions 12 & 13 Ringwood Bypass Road 13 Ringwood Convention Centre & Performing Arts Centre 22 Ringwood District Centre 14 Staff 10 Town Planning 17 Works Depot 30 Youth Outreach Worker 33 2. LOCAL COMMUNITY SERVICES Accommodation 37 Alcoholism 37 Birthright 38 Blind 38 Care Force 39 Catholic Family Welfare Bureau 39 Central Ringwood Community Centre 39 Childbirth and Parenting Association 39 & 40 Churches 40 & 41 Community Services Victoria 42 Day Centres and Drop In Centres 43 Do Care 43 Drugs 43 Elderly Day Care 44 Emergency Housing 45 Family Planning Services 45 Financial Counselling 46 Hearing Aid Service 47 Hospitals 47 Housing 48 Information 48 Legal 49 Literacy 50 Lone Parents 50 Marriage Celebrants 50 Maroondah Social Health Centre 51 Neighbourhood Mediation Centre - Outer East 51 North Ringwood Community House 52 Nursing 52 Optometric Services 52 Playgroups 53 Podiatry 53 Pre-Schools 54 Red Cross 55 Retirement 55 Ringwood Croydon Advisory Service 55 Schools 56 & 57 Senior Citizens' Centres 58 Transport 59 Twins 59 Unemployment 60 Volunteering 60 Youth Accommodation Project (Maroondah). 60 Youth Emergency Accommodation Services... 60 rinx

Community information booklet issued by City of Ringwood for 1990 - covering the facilities and activities of the Ringwood Council and other local organisations and associations.CONTENTS: (page no.) 1. COUNCIL SERVICES After School Programme 33 Aged Services 33, 34,35 Aquatic Centre 15,16,17 Aquatic Centre Bonus Vouchers 17 Biological Wasp Control 24 Budget 13,14 Building information 26 By-Laws 29 Chief Executive's Message 9 Children's Services 44 Citizenship 35 Civic Centre 4 Committees of Council 5 Common Questions 39 Council Meeting Dates 4 Council Representatives 8 Councillors 6,7 Dogs 29 Emergency Telephone Numbers 67 Family Day Care 32 Fire Hazards 29 Garbage 37 Golf Course 19 Health and Environmental Services 24 Home Handyman Services 54 Home Help 33 Immunisation 25 incinerators 29 Knaith Road Child Care Centre 32 Library 22 Library Service Senior Citizens 34 Maternal and Child Health 31 Mayoral Message - Cr. Lillian Rosewarne 3 Meals on Wheels 33 Members of Parliament 40 Parks and Gardens 22,23 Rates 28 Residential Development Provisions 12 Ringwood Bypass Road 11 Ringwood Convention Centre & Performing Arts Centre 20 Ringwood District Centre 13 Ringwood Festival 21 Shopping Bus 34 Staff 10 Town Planning 26 Works Depot 36 Youth Outreach Worker 36 2. LOCAL COMMUNITY SERVICES Accommodation 42 Aged Accommodation 42 Alcoholism 42 Arthritis Foundation 43 Arts and Crafts 43 Blind 43 Care Force 43 Catholic Family Welfare Bureau 43 Central Ringwood Community Centre 43 Childbirth and Parenting Association 44 Churches 45 Community Services Victoria 47 Day Centres and Drop-in Centres 48 Disabled Facilities 49 Do Care 50 Drugs 50 Elderly Day Care 50 Emergency Housing 51 Family Planning Services 51 Financial Counselling 52 Hearing Aid Service 53 Hospitals 54 Housing 54 Information 55 Legal 55 Literacy 55 Lone Parents 57 Marriage Celebrants 57 Maroondah Social Health Centre 57 Neighbourhood Mediation Centre - Outer East 57 North Ringwood Community House 53 Nursing 59 Optometric Services 59 Playgroups 60 Pre-Schools 60 Red Cross 61 Retirement 62 Ringwood Croydon Advisory Service 62 Schools 63 Senior Citizens' Centres 65 Transport 66 Twins 66 Unemployment 66 Volunteering 66 Youth Accommodation Project (Maroondah) 67 Youth Emergency Services 67 rinx

Leah Rosenthal ARRC (Born Melbourne) Enlisted in 1915 and embarked 18.12.15 from Australia to join the QAIMNSP service. Her service was terminted on 9.5.19. She was awarded the ARRC (2nd class) for her work at a CCS on the Western Front. Articles written about her state that she was also awarded an "MM". ARRC, (Royal Red Cross). CCS, (Casualty Clearing Station). MM, (Military Medal) QAIMNSP, (Queen Alexandria's Imperial Military Nursing Service) A brother Samuel was KIA in the war, refer 620. The badge was an “Empress Club 1914 Emergency Voluntary Aid Committee badge”which was a Ladies Club in Dover street Piccadilly. “Fortiter Fideliter” meaning “Strongly Faithful”. The centre of the badge is a Maltese Cross. There is a ribbon with the badge but missing. During WW1 the Club was used as a War Supply Depot. In 1917 a Red Cross hut was opened on the roof of the building. Pre war Leah had done her training at Alfred Hospital. After the war Leah and close friend Isabella Jobson bought St Lukes Private Hospital and renamed it “Vimy House”. Leah passed away in 1930. Isabella inaugurated and annual prize in Leah’s name at the Alfred Hospital for the best Theatre Nurse. Isabella had gone with Leah to England and they both served together during WW1..1) Medals, court mounted set of (3) re L.Rosenthal. 1, 1914-1915 Star. 2. War Medal 1914 -1918. 3. Victory Medal 1914 - 19 replica not engraved. .2) Badge metal slightly oval Red cross centre with white and gold trimming. In gold lettering "Fortiter Fideliter 1914" around the outside.,1) Sister L Rosenthal Q.A.I.M.N.S.Pmedals, hospitals, military, nursing

Illustrated book with blue cover. Front cover has a coloured illustration by Vivian and Marjorie Mare of a nurse in uniform standing in front of a plane, the title is printed in blue and the author's name printed in white. Title and author's name are also printed in white on the spine. The back cover has a collage of black and white photographs of RAAF personnel including nurses. Limited edition of 1000 copies.non-fictionEstablished in July 1914, the Royal Australian Airforce Nursing Service (RAAFNS) personnel expanded from 45 in December 1940 to 616 in December 1945. Miss Margaret Irene Lang was appointed Matron-in -Chief and her staff's conditions in service were similar to those of the Australian Army Nursing Service. The nurses were originally attached to RAAF bases in Australia but later served in New Guinea and the Pacific Islands. With the Medical Air Evacuation Transport Unit (MAETU), established in 1944, nurses helped with aerial evacuation of casualties and were involved with the liberation of Prisoners of War from Singapore and other areas. The service was disbanded at the end of World War Two, but in 1948 a peace-time service was formed, and the RAAF nurses have served in the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency and the Vietnam War. They continue to care for the sick and injured at RAAF hospitals. Includes honours, awards and the nominal roll of RAAFNS 1940-1952.royal australian air force nursing service-history, world war 1939-1945-medical care-australia, military nursing-australia, nurses, nursing

Call bells were used by patients to alert nursing staff to their needs, these style of call bells could be pressed 3 times by staff to alert others on the unit of an emergency. They activated a light outside the patients room and also on a central board so staff could see which rooms were calling.Call bells were used by patients to alert nursing staff to their needs, these style of call bells could be pressed 3 times by staff to alert others on the unit of an emergency. They activated a light outside the patients room and also on a central board so staff could see which rooms were calling.Orange push button on grey hand held device, cancel button on side of handheld device, cable and four pronged plug attached 176015nursing, nursing history, ward care, hospital technology, nursing assistance, ahnl, alfred hospital nursing league

Published during World War II, to help train the civilian population in essential healthcre skills so as to mage illnes and minor injuries in the home. The Red Cross Emergency Services provided classes in first aid and home nursingStapled booklet with light blue cover with darker blue print detailing title, publisher and price. in the centre is the logo of the Red Cross Emergency Service [blue and red print] Handwritten at top right, Pat Johnston'[blue ink], previous catalogue number [black ink] and ?42 [pencil].'Pat Johnston/ 21 henry Street/Corowa 1942 handwritten at top of first page [blue ink]. There are also numerous handwritten notes throught the booklet

Illustrated stapled booklet. Front cover has a red background with black andwhite border. Title printed in black above illustration of a boy and girl [black ink] and in white ink below. non-fictionA manual detailing how to care for the sick at homehome nursing, red cross

Gethla Forsyth, Alfred trainee, served with the Australian Army Nursing Serviceduring World War II. After enlisting in July 1941, she was sent to Singapore as part of reinforcements for the 2/13th Australian General Hospital in January 1942. On February 12 1942 she was one of the nurses evacuated by the cargo vessel Empire Star. This ship suffered bomb damage, but after emergency repairs in Batavia (Jakarta) arrived in Freemantle on February 23 1942. Prior to discharge in 1946 she also woked at Duntroon Hospital Gethla also helped establish the Nurses Memorial Centre in St Kilda Rd MelbourneOf significance to the AHNL, as Gethla Forsyth was an Alfred Hospital Nursing graduate (1936)A4 piece of white paper on which is mounted a high quality copy of a black and white portrait photograph along with handwritten notesback of photograph is labeled. Previous catalogue number written at top rightgethla forsyth, world war 1939-1945, world war 1939-1945 nursing, australian army nursing service, alfred hospital, nurses memorial centre-history

Gethla Forsyth, Alfred trainee, served with the Australian Army Nursing Serviceduring World War II. After enlisting in July 1941, she was sent to Singapore as part of reinforcements for the 2/13th Australian General Hospital in January 1992. On February 12 1942 she was one of the nurses evacuated by the cargo vessel Empire Star. This ship suffered bomb damage, but after emergency repairs in Batavia (Jakarta) arrived in Freemantle on February 23 1942. Prior to discharge in 1946 she also woked at Duntroon Hospital Gethla also helped establish the Nurses Memorial Centre in St Kilda Rd MelbourneOf significance to the AHNL, as Gethla Forsyth was an Alfred Hospital Nursing graduate (1936)Domed metal helmet with brim. The top of the dome has a red cross [ made from tape]. The dome is lined with black leather attached by metal fastenigs. There is also a goup photograph including Gethla forsyth holding her helmet'VX65908' is written on the fabric chin strap .gethla forsyth, world war 1939-1945, world war 1939-1945 nursing, australian army nursing service, alfred hospital, nurses memorial centre-history

Gethla Forsyth, Alfred trainee, served with the Australian Army Nursing Serviceduring World War II. After enlisting in July 1941, she was sent to Singapore as part of reinforcements for the 2/13th Australian General Hospital in January 1992. On February 12 1942 she was one of the nurses evacuated by the cargo vessel Empire Star. This ship suffered bomb damage, but after emergency repairs in Batavia (Jakarta) arrived in Freemantle on February 23 1942. Prior to discharge in 1946 she also woked at Duntroon Hospital Gethla also helped establish the Nurses Memorial Centre in St Kilda Rd Melbourne. These aricles were written in 1942 after Gethla's return to AustraliaOf significance to the AHNL, as Gethla Forsyth was an Alfred Hospital Nursing graduateA4 piece of white paper on which are copied three newspaper clippings Previous catalogue number written at top right, '1942' written at bootom of page [black ink]gethla forsyth, world war 1939-1945, world war 1939-1945 nursing, australian army nursing service, alfred hospital

Gethla Forsyth, Alfred trainee, served with the Australian Army Nursing Serviceduring World War II. After enlisting in July 1941, she was sent to Singapore as part of reinforcements for the 2/13th Australian General Hospital in January 1992. On February 12 1942 she was one of the nurses evacuated by the cargo vessel Empire Star. This ship suffered bomb damage, but after emergency repairs in Batavia (Jakarta) arrived in Freemantle on February 23 1942. Prior to discharge in 1946 she also woked at Duntroon Hospital Gethla also helped establish the Nurses Memorial Centre in St Kilda Rd Melbourne. These aricles were written in 1942 after Gethla's return to AustraliaOf significance to the AHNL, as Gethla Forsyth was an Alfred Hospital Nursing graduateCopy of page from magazine, in addition to the written article there are photographs of four nurses Previous catalogue number written at top right, and centre right margin [black ink]gethla forsyth, world war 1939-1945, world war 1939-1945 nursing, australian army nursing service, alfred hospital

Gethla Forsyth, Alfred trainee, served with the Australian Army Nursing Serviceduring World War II. After enlisting in July 1941, she was sent to Singapore as part of reinforcements for the 2/13th Australian General Hospital in January 1992. On February 12 1942 she was one of the nurses evacuated by the cargo vessel Empire Star. This ship suffered bomb damage, but after emergency repairs in Batavia (Jakarta) arrived in Freemantle on February 23 1942. Prior to discharge in 1946 she also woked at Duntroon Hospital Gethla also helped establish the Nurses Memorial Centre in St Kilda Rd Melbourne. This article refered to a reunion of AIF nurses (including Gethla Forsyth) with Liutenant general Gordon Bennett after their escape from Singapore in 1942Of significance to the AHNL, as Gethla Forsyth was an Alfred Hospital Nursing graduateA4 page with copy of newspaper clipping - photograph of a man with five women all in uniform. Previous catalogue number written at top right, and centre right margin [black ink]. Underneath theclipping three of the women have been identified 'Atwood', 'Gethla' snd Marg Anderson'gethla forsyth, world war 1939-1945, world war 1939-1945 nursing, australian army nursing service, a.i.f.nurses

Gethla Forsyth, Alfred trainee, served with the Australian Army Nursing Serviceduring World War II. After enlisting in July 1941, she was sent to Singapore as part of reinforcements for the 2/13th Australian General Hospital in January 1992. On February 12 1942 she was one of the nurses evacuated by the cargo vessel Empire Star. This ship suffered bomb damage, but after emergency repairs in Batavia (Jakarta) arrived in Freemantle on February 23 1942. Prior to discharge in 1946 she also woked at Duntroon Hospital Gethla also helped establish the Nurses Memorial Centre in St Kilda Rd Melbourne. This article was written in 1942 after Gethla's return to AustraliaOf significance to the AHNL, as Gethla Forsyth was an Alfred Hospital Nursing graduateCopied on to A4 piece of white paper with four items Previous catalogue number written at left of itemsgethla forsyth, world war 1939-1945, world war 1939-1945 nursing, australian army nursing service, alfred hospital

Gethla Forsyth, Alfred trainee, served with the Australian Army Nursing Serviceduring World War II. After enlisting in July 1941, she was sent to Singapore as part of reinforcements for the 2/13th Australian General Hospital in January 1992. On February 12 1942 she was one of the nurses evacuated by the cargo vessel Empire Star. This ship suffered bomb damage, but after emergency repairs in Batavia (Jakarta) arrived in Freemantle on February 23 1942. Prior to discharge in 1946 she also woked at Duntroon Hospital Gethla also helped establish the Nurses Memorial Centre in St Kilda Rd MelbourneOf significance to the AHNL, as Gethla Forsyth was an Alfred Hospital Nursing graduate (1936)Black and white photocopy of a photograph of Gethla Forsyth in the uniform of the Austaralian Army Nursing Service. Gethla is wearing a coat, hat, tie and gloves and is standing in a brick archway. A4 piece of white paper has four other aricles copied onto it Previous catalogue number written at leftgethla forsyth, world war 1939-1945, world war 1939-1945 nursing, australian army nursing service, alfred hospital, nurses memorial centre-history

Gethla Forsyth, Alfred trainee, served with the Australian Army Nursing Serviceduring World War II. After enlisting in July 1941, she was sent to Singapore as part of reinforcements for the 2/13th Australian General Hospital in January 1992. On February 12 1942 she was one of the nurses evacuated by the cargo vessel Empire Star. This ship suffered bomb damage, but after emergency repairs in Batavia (Jakarta) arrived in Freemantle on February 23 1942. Prior to discharge in 1946 she also woked at Duntroon Hospital Gethla also helped establish the Nurses Memorial Centre in St Kilda Rd Melbourne. This article appeared in the Argus Weekednder after an ANZAC reunion at the Nurses Memorial CentreOf significance to the AHNL, as Gethla Forsyth was an Alfred Hospital Nursing graduate (1936)Black and white photocopy of newpaper clipping with photograph of three women M Muldoon, Gethla Forsyth and V Bullwinkel take at an Anzac Reunion in a room at the War Nurses Memorial Centre St Kilda Rd Melbourne Previous catalogue number written at top leftgethla forsyth, world war 1939-1945, world war 1939-1945 nursing, australian army nursing service, alfred hospital, nurses memorial centre-history

Gethla Forsyth, Alfred trainee, served with the Australian Army Nursing Service during World War II. Gethla was working at the Freemasons Hospital when she was told to report for duty in July 1941. Gethla was sent to Singapore as part of reinforcements for the 2/13th Australian General Hospital in January 1992. On February 12 1942 she was one of the nurses evacuated by the cargo vessel Empire Star. This ship suffered bomb damage, but after emergency repairs in Batavia (Jakarta) arrived in Freemantle on February 23 1942. Prior to discharge in 1946 she also woked at Duntroon Hospital Gethla also helped establish the Nurses Memorial Centre in St Kilda Rd Melbourne. This article appeared in the Argus Weekednder after an ANZAC reunion at the Nurses Memorial CentreOf significance to the AHNL, as Gethla Forsyth was an Alfred Hospital Nursing graduate (1936) Photocopy of hand written diary Underneath is written 'DIARY OF GETHLA FORSYTH' [black ink] and 'Donated by Berry Mcadade (niece)'. Diary is contained by a metal fastening in folder with yellow back and spine with whie insert and clear front cover Previous catalogue number written at top right of first psge, pages have been numbered [in pencil] Underneath the first page is written 'DIARY OF GETHLA FORSYTH' [black ink] and 'Donated by (neice)' ]gethla forsyth, world war 1939-1945, world war 1939-1945 nursing, australian army nursing service, alfred hospital

Distributed to residents and rate payersSunshine City Council. Council Report No 12 Headings December 1988|A message from your Mayor Ian Mill|Making millions from Sunshines garbage|Tip tickets|Use Proper garbage bins|Waster Paper pickup service|Council acts to minimise hardship on rates|Sunshines Management Team|$1.5 million for Nursing Home|Sunshine District Centre will boost Commerce|Government Grants|Hunt Club lives againFree help in Family Planning|August Election results|Mayor and Mayoress meet the Pope|Mayor meets Asian delegates|Librays new computer linkup gives better cheaper service|Council services in the holidays|A new Fitness Centre free to use anytime|Sunshines Sports Calendar Girls|Sunshines Own Postcard|Sunshine City Council. Council Report No 14 Headings July 1999|Council Electrions in August|West Sunshine Community Centre|Waste Paper Pick Ups End|Other Recycling News|Marie Mill Community Centre|Location of Polling Places|Family services|Foster Care|Family Support|Emergency Crisis Assistance| Financial counselling|Family Counselling|Vice Regal Visit to Sunshine|Out of School Hours Programs|About the Library|The Hunt Club community Centre|Leisure and Swimming Centrews|Labour Market Programssunshine city council

Issued by the Red Cross Emergency Service. Australian Red Cross Society, 44 Latrobe Street, Melbourne, C1Small paperback book. Well used, paper cover marked ad dog-eared. 16 pages. Price Three pence. Describes duties of a nurse, how to take temperature, pulse, dressing, washing, diet, bed making, bandaging.See photos

The MDNS Sisters are packing their belongs ready to move from their current Nurses Home at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood to their new Nurses Home and Headquarters situated at 452 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, then known as 'Airlie'. From its founding in 1885 until 1891 the Trained nurses (Nurses) of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) worked from their own homes which were located in the vicinity of their areas (districts). The Committee meetings were held at the Religious Tract Society rooms at Queen’s walk, off Swanston Street and then at the Library Room at the Melbourne Town Hall. The Annual General Meeting was held at the Town Hall. In November 1891 MDNS was able to rent a two story terraced house at 66 Cardigan Street, Carlton, at £65 a year, which contained accommodation for three Nurses and one pupil nurse as well as being used as their Headquarters. They left from their Nurses Home each morning and returned at the end of their shift to write up their book work before retiring for the day. Three years later they moved into a larger terraced house at 49 Drummond Street Carlton which was rented at ‘a very moderate rental’. There was a Board room, apartments for the Nurses and pupil nurse, a large dispensary which patients could attend each evening to have prescriptions signed and bottles refilled with ‘homely remedies’ and elixirs, which were administered for e.g. to Consumptive cases. Doctor’s prescriptions were filled at the Pharmacy. Cupboards containing donated blankets and bedclothes for needy patients were kept in this room, and it was here where the Nurses kept their nursing bags which were refilled at the end of each shift ready for any emergency and for the next day. A list of Doctors the Nurses could call was kept by the telephone. The home also had a kitchen where nourishing soup was made and distributed twice a week to the needy. Milk was also distributed when needed. In 1902 they moved into rented premises at 188 Leicester Street, Carlton and two years later, in 1904, to premises at 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy where they remained for ten years. In June 1914 at last the Society had sufficient funds to purchase their own terraced premises, ‘Floraston’ 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood which was their Headquarters and Nurses Home. In 1926 the After-Care Home for recovering patients, (later called After-Care Hospital) was built by the Society next door, running from 41-47 Victoria Parade (became No. 45). There were now two divisions with the After Care having their owned Trained nurses (Sisters) and the District Division of Trained nurses (Sisters) who continued to live at No. 39. In November 1953 the Sisters working in the District Nursing Division moved into their new Headquarters and Nurses Home at 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. In 1957 this Division changed its name to the Melbourne District Nursing Service when it separated from the After-Care Hospital. It was given Royal patronage in 1966 and became Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). As it expanded, and now with Centres opening throughout the suburbs, the Nurses Home at 452 closed and those rooms used for administrative purposes. It now had outlying districts to service, and with a full fleet of District cars, the Sisters lived in their own homes and visited their closest District Centre each morning to collect their work for the day and returned there at the end of their community duties to do their administrative work. On April the 1st 1996 RDNS Head Office relocated to 31 Alma Road, St. Kilda. Standing in a semi circle of this photograph are 5 Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Sisters in their long sleeve grey uniform dresses which have a belt, peaked collars and white buttons down the centre. They are wearing their grey brimmed hats with a central Maltese cross on the light colour headband over their short dark curled hair. From Left to Right are Sisters Marianne Metcalf who is smiling and is holding a tennis racket and soft sided oblong travel bag which has two leather straps and handle in her right hand; it is resting on a closed case, which has two leather straps across the lid; this sits in front of her. Next is Gerda Oppenheim who is looking serious and has her right hand on the top of the lid of an open case in front of her, then Beryl Rowley, who is smiling and has her hands on a narrow white metal horizontal pole which has a vertical pole attached. Next is Marcia Parrat who is smiling and is holding a piece of white linen on the open case, and next, on the far right, is Florence Hoey who is holding a piece of white linen on top of an open hard leather travelling bag which is sitting in front of her next to the closed case. melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns headquarters, sister marianne metcalf, sister gerda oppenheim, sister beryl rowley, sister marcia parrat, sister florence hoey, royal district nursing service, rdns

Humidicribs are used to transport sick babies from small hospitals to major hospitals for specialist care. They work by maintaining normal body temperature and provide oxygen if needed during ambulance transit. Known by a variety of commercial names, earlier humidicribs were ones heated with water bottles. Not part of an ambulances standard equipment, humidicribs are kept in ambulance stations and carried if babies needed to be transported. In the early days before humidicribs came into use and when air ambulances did not exist, many more babies died during emergency transits than do today Manufactured by the Commonwealth Industrial Gases Limited (better known as CIG), Australian-made Port-O-Cot brand humidicribs came replaced timber home-made humidicribs. They had electrical heating and easy to control oxygen flow and humidity control equipment. CIG also noted that noted that: Once the baby has been placed inside, the cot need not be opened, all nursing operations being carried out through the iris armholes. Even though the baby is in complete isolation nursing is a straight forward matter… The iris armholes allow nurses to feed, weigh, take temperatures, change napkins or, in fact, carry out any procedures without changing or disturbing the atmosphere within the cot. Happily for ambulance officers and nurses, the new Port-O-Cots were also much lighter and easy to carry than their old timber ones! metal box with carry handles and Perspex opening top. Carry handles at each end.PORT-O-COTinfant

Humidicribs are used to transport sick babies from small hospitals to major hospitals for specialist care. They work by maintaining normal body temperature and provide oxygen if needed during ambulance transit. Known by a variety of commercial names, earlier humidicribs were ones heated with water bottles. Not part of an ambulances standard equipment, humidicribs are kept in ambulance stations and carried if babies needed to be transported. In the early days before humidicribs came into use and when air ambulances did not exist, many more babies died during emergency transits than do today The Thermocot Developed from the Port-O-Cot, CIG later produced the Thermocot. The new humidicrib had a number of advantages over the Port-O-Cot. Most importantly it had an over-temperature alarm and cut out. It was also calibrated in degrees Celsius as by then the metric measuring system had been introduced to Australia. It also had a front opening canopy which was easier for nursing staff to use. Metal box with Perspex opening top section. Carry handles at each end.Thermocot portable infant incubator CIGinfant

Humidicribs are used to transport sick babies from small hospitals to major hospitals for specialist care. They work by maintaining normal body temperature and provide oxygen if needed during ambulance transit. Known by a variety of commercial names, earlier humidicribs were ones heated with water bottles. Not part of an ambulances standard equipment, humidicribs are kept in ambulance stations and carried if babies needed to be transported. In the early days before humidicribs came into use and when air ambulances did not exist, many more babies died during emergency transits than do today The Thermocot Developed from the Port-O-Cot, CIG later produced the Thermocot. The new humidicrib had a number of advantages over the Port-O-Cot. Most importantly it had an over-temperature alarm and cut out. It was also calibrated in degrees Celsius as by then the metric measuring system had been introduced to Australia. It also had a front opening canopy which was easier for nursing staff to use. Metal box with Perspex opening top section. Carry handles at each end.Thermocot portable infant incubator CIG

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