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

The photograph is taken in Mr. Spartel's home in St. Kilda. The MDNS uniform worn under her white gown was a dark grey cotton frock with a belt. The grey stiffened and brimmed felt hat had a light grey hatband with a red Maltese cross attached in the centre. Sister J. Faust is about to redress a wound on Mr. Spartel's abdomen. The photograph is a record of wound care being given by MDNS trained nurses in a patients home during the 1950s. This photograph appeared along with an article in The Sun newspaper Oct 17 1952.The Trained nurses (Nurses) of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, provided wound care to their patients, who ranged in age from the very young to the elderly. As research developed better products and dressing materials, the methods and medication applied to wounds changed. MDNS received Royal patronage in 1966 and as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), the Education department developed programs, such as the Wound Specialist program, and the Leg Ulcer Management Program, to provide their Trained nurses (Sisters) with methods of best quality care. The Sisters liaised with the patient’s Doctors and hospitals to provide information on the progress of patient’s wounds and to receive any change of wound care from the Doctors. When RDNS introduced Wound Care Specialists they carried out assessments and provided advice and support to the District Sisters working in the field. On the left of the black and white photograph is Mr. George Spartel, who has dark short curly hair and is lying on his bed. His shoulders and head are resting on the white pillow with his head against the wooden slatted backrest of his bed. His torso is bare and part of a white wound dressing can be seen on his upper abdominal area. A dark grey covering is over the lower portion of his body. He is smiling and looking up at Sister J. Faust from Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) who is standing to the right of his bed.Sister Faust, who has dark curled hair, has her arms raised behind her neck as she reaches the ties on the white gown she is wearing over her uniform. She is wearing her grey brimmed uniform hat. Behind her is a wooden table, with a dark coloured radio on its right, and a jug with a doily over it, on the right.mdns, melbourne district nursing society (1885-1957), nurses, mdns uniforms, rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns wound care, mr george spartel, sister j. faust

In 1930 the Society were pioneers in opening an Ante-Natal Clinic at the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) After-Care Home, setting a high standard with equipment, keeping records and providing leaflets with instructions in how to keep healthy during pregnancy, what complications to look for, and what to do when labour commenced. This image was taken in the Ante-Natal Clinic and shows some of the equipment used at that time and the uniforms worn by Trained nurses (Sisters) in the 1930s. Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded in 1885 and only nurses who had trained in a Hospital Training School and were fully qualified were employed by the Society. It commenced with one Trained nurse (Nurse), and another employed six months later; both walking amid the slums of inner Melbourne administering nursing care to the sick poor. 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 some 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. As the Society expanded it rented premises until it was able to purchase it's own Nurses Home at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood in 1914. The Society were pioneers in recognizing the need for premises where patients too ill to be in their own home, but not ill enough to go to hospital, was needed. Land was procured next to No. 39, and the Society built the After-Care Home at 45 Victoria Parade, for these patients, and for patients from Hospitals. It was opened in July 1926 and the name of the Society then became ‘Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Home’ (‘Hospital’ from 1934) The Ante-Natal Clinic at the Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Home was opened on the 23rd of September 1930 and MDNS Midwifery patients were encouraged to attend. Prior to the opening of the clinic Ante-natal care was not considered important, but within a short time 100 percent of MDNS Midwifery patients were attending. During 1934 the Women’s Welfare Clinic, including at the time a very controversial Family Planning Clinic, the first of its kind in Australia, was opened to support women at risk following multiple and difficult pregnancies. The Clinic gave advice on birth-control and was attended by their own patients at first, but then accepted patients from Melbourne public hospitals until their own clinics were opened.Digital image showing a Doctor and three Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Sisters attending a patient in the Ante-Natal Clinic at the After Care Hospital. In the forefront is a set of scales standing on the floor, behind which is the lady lying on a wooden framed bed with the base slightly raised at the top end supporting a white pillow and the lady's head. The lady has short dark hair and her frock can be seen to her waist; the rest of her body is covered by a white sheet and dark coloured blanket. Behind her and to the right of the image, are two Sisters wearing dark coloured long sleeved uniforms which have a belt and white collar; they are both wearing white veils over their short dart hair. To their left is a Doctor who has short dart wavy hair and is looking down at the lady. He is wearing a long white gown and has a stethoscope in his ears with the other end held in his right hand. To his left is another Sister who is wearing a white veil over her dark curled hair, and is wearing a long white gown. In the rear between the Doctor and Sister a hand basin can be seen. On the far left of the picture a trolley with two cloth covered shelves can be seen; a basin and squat bottle sits on the top shelf and kidney dish on the lower one. Behind this, part of a window can be seen.after- care hospital, 45 victoria parade collingwood, melbourne district nursing society (1885-1957), ante-natal clinic, after-care home, mdns midwifery, rdns, royal district nursing service

These are the first two Malayan nurse recipients of an Australian Imperial Force Scholarship. This entitled them to spend three months with the Melbourne District Nursing SocietyNurses from Malaya came to Australia under the Australian Imperial Force (A.I.F) scholarship program.Black and white photograph of Malayan nurses, Miss Alice Chia and Miss Ooi Soh Im. Both Malayan nurses have dark short hair and are wearing glasses. They are wearing long grey coats which have collars and a belt, and dark brimmed hats. The nurse on the left is carrying an oblong case in her right hand and the one on the right has a white folded document in her left hand. They are standing on a path. Part of a brick building is to their left and rear, and a set of stairs is to the right rear. Part of a window can be seen to the left and some low bushes in front of the building. melbourne district nursing society (1885-1957), rdns, royal district nursing service, aif scholarship program, miss ooi soh im, miss alice chia

In 1957 the 'Incorporation of the Melbourne District Nursing Service' was authorized on the 5th of March 1957. The Melbourne District Nursing Society was founded in February 1885 and in 1926 opened the After-Care Home. The name of the Society then became the Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Home until 1935 when the word 'Home' was replaced with the word 'Hospital'. In 1957 the two bodies separated and the the 'Incorporation of the Melbourne District Nursing Service' was authorized on the 5th of March 1957. This name continued to be used until 1966 when Royal patronage was granted and it became the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS).Black and white document - 'Incorporation of Melbourne District Nursing Service' . The document is bold black printing on a white background. The document commences 'Hospital and Charities Act 1948 (No. 5300); follows are the names of those present being the Governor of Victoria and two other men. The body of the document contains twenty-three lines and finishes with ‘A. Mahlstedt Clerk of the Executive Council’.melbourne district nursing society, melbourne district nursing service, royal district nursing service, rdns, after- care hospital, mdns incorporation

In 1957 the 'Incorporation of the Melbourne District Nursing Service' (MDNS) was authorized on the 5th of March 1957. On the 22nd of October 1957 the 'Closure of the Melbourne District Nursing Society' was authorized. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded in February 1885 and in 1926 opened the After-Care Home. The name of the Society then became the Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Home until 1935 when the word 'Home' was replaced with the word 'Hospital'. In 1957 the two bodies separated and the 'Incorporation of the Melbourne District Nursing Service' (MDNS) was authorized on the 5th of March 1957. On the 22nd of October 1957 the 'Closure of the Melbourne District Nursing Society' was authorized. The name Melbourne District Nursing Service continued to be used until 1966 when Royal patronage was granted and it became the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS).Black and white document - 'Closure of the Melbourne District Nursing Society'. The document commences 'Hospital and Charities Act 1948 (No. 5300); then follows the names of those present being the Lieutenant Governor of Victoria and five other men. The body of the document contains twenty-three lines and finishes with 'A. Mahlstedt Clerk of the Executive Council'melbourne district nursing society, mdns, after-care home, after- care hospital, melbourne district nursing service, royal district nursing service, closure of mdn society, rdns

The 'Cancellation of Registration of the Melbourne District Nursing Society and After Care Hospital' was approved by the Hospital and Charities Commission on the 1st of September 1958.The Melbourne District Nursing Society was founded in February 1885 and in 1926 opened the After-Care Home. The name of the Society then became the Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Home until 1935 when the word 'Home' was replaced with the word 'Hospital'. In 1957 the two bodies separated and the 'Incorporation of Melbourne District Nursing Service' occurred on the 5th of March 1957. The 'Cancellation of Registration of the Melbourne District Nursing Society and After Care Hospital' was approved by the Hospital and Charities Commission on the 1st of September 1958.Black and white Hospital and Charities document - 'Cancellation of Registration of the Melbourne District Nursing Society and After Care Hospital'. The document is bold black printing on a white background. It commences 'Hospital and Charities Act 1948 (No. 5300); follows are the names of those present being the Lieutenant Governor of Victoria and four other men. The body of the document contains thirteen lines and finishes with ‘A. Mahlstedt Clerk of the Executive Council’.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, after- care hospital, rdns, royal district nursing service, melbourne district nursing service

The name Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Hospital came into being in 1935. In 1957 the two bodies separated and the Hospital and Charities Commission of Victoria received the document a 'Petition to Incorporate the After Care Hospital'The Melbourne District Nursing Society was founded in 1885 and in 1926 opened the After-Care Home. The Society then became the 'Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Home' until 1935 when the word 'Home' was replaced b the word 'Hospital'. In 1957 the two bodies separated and the Hospital and Charities Commission of Victoria received a 'Petition to Incorporate the After Care Hospital'Black and white document 'Petition to Incorporate the After Care Hospital' The document is bold black printing on a white background. It commences; 'Hospital and Charities Act 1948 (No. 5300), Section 46. The body of the document contains nineteen lines and finishes with ‘'E. P. Cameron, Minister of Health’.melbourne district nursing society, after- care hospital, rdns, royal district nursing service

This document tells of the separation of Melbourne District Nursing Society and After Care Hospital.The Melbourne District Nursing Society was founded in February 1885. It built the After-Care Home in 1926, and the Society became the 'Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Home' until 1935 when the word 'Home' was replaced by the word 'Hospital'. In 1957 the two bodies separated, with one becoming the 'Melbourne District Nursing Service', and the other the 'After-Care Hospital'. This document from the Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria shows the 'Closure of the Melbourne District Nursing Society and After Care Hospital' which took affect with dissolution on the 1st of September 1958.Black and white document: 'Closure of the Melbourne District Nursing Society and After Care Hospital' The document is bold black printing on a white background. It commences 'Hospital and Charities Act 1948 (No. 5300); follows are the names of those present being the Lieutenant Governor of Victoria and four other men. The body of the document contains twenty-four lines and finishes with ‘A. Mahlstedt Clerk of the Executive Council’.melbourne district nursing society, after-care home, after- care hospital, melbourne district nursing service, mdns, rdns, royal district nursing service

The photograph of the RDNS Clerical staff is taken in the Finance Department at Royal District Nursing Service ( RDNS) Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Road, MelbourneWhen the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded in 1885, Mr. L.C. MacKinnon was elected the first Honorary Treasurer followed by Mr. Lush. In 1889, Mrs. Margaret Maine took over the role and held the position several times over the years along with various ladies elected each year from the Committee. Ladies continued to be elected as the Hon. Treasurer when MDNS built the After Care Home and it became the Melbourne District Nursing Society and After Care Home (later Hospital). This continued until the separation of the two Divisions in 1957 with Mrs. F.E. Shillabeer the last Hon. Treasurer. Now, with the District Division becoming Melbourne District Nursing Service, later Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), A.F. Cameron Esq. J.P. became Hon. Treasurer and held this role until July 1968. As District expanded over the years so did the Finance Department with more Clerical staff employed as required.Black and white photograph showing Mrs Faye Marriett and seven lady Clerical staff who work at Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). They are in a semi circle in a room. All are wearing their light coloured uniform dresses and dark cardigans.Two are standing to the left with the first, who has short curly dark hair, standing in front of a multi drawer filing cabinet. She is holding a sheet of white paper in her hands while the next lady, with short blonde hair and with her right arm on the cabinet, and with her left leg crossed over her right, is looking down at the piece of paper. To her right the staff member, who has long dark hair is sitting on a stool and has her ankles crossed. She is holding a grey coloured telephone hand piece to her left ear and has a pen in her right hand which is poised on a piece of paper on a table to her right on which stands the telephone, a vase of flowers and a wire "out basket". To the right of this another member, who has long dark hair, is standing behind a lady, with short dark hair, who is using a light coloured typewriter which is sitting on a dark table. The lady, who is standing, is looking down, and has her left hand on an oblong dark card which Mrs. Marriett, who is to her right, is holding in her right hand. Mrs. Marriett has short dark hair and is to the right rear in the photograph. In front of her another member, who has short dark hair, can partially be seen and is standing holding, and looking at, a folder she is showing to the lady in front of her, who has long dark hair, and is sitting on an office chair with her hands on the keys of a light coloured typewriter. The typewriter sits on a dark table top with light side panel table with square metal legs. A patterned carpet can be seen on the floor. Part of a wooden desk is in the front left of the photograph. Part of windows can be seen on either side of the room. Outside the left hand one, part of a fluted column on the building, and trees beyond it, can be seen. Bare trees can be seen outside the right hand window. Photographer stamp. Quote No. KJ 49royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns clerical staff, mrs faye marriett