Contains a bibliography and list of collecting organisations. A resource book on the subject of Australian nurses and midwives.76 p., stapled, printed in black & white, colour photographsnurses, midwives

Midwives certificate for Marjorie Jean Burke issued by Nurses Board Melbourne, under the Midwives Act 1928.Miss Burke was a nurse, midwife and infant welfare sister. This collection covers her many qualifications throughout Australia and Great Britain, including references both professional and personal. When Miss Burke returned to Australia, she was employed at Diamond Valley Community Hospital as a nurse in 1953 and as Deputy Matron 1954-1971.Certificate typed on cream card.Signed by registrar.marjorie jean burke, nurses, diamond valley community hospital, nurses board melbourne

Certificate to practise as a midwife for Marjorie Jean Burke, from the Central Midwives Board for Scotland, issued in 1952.Miss Burke was a nurse, midwife and infant welfare sister. This collection covers her many qualifications throughout Australia and Great Britain, including references both professional and personal. When Miss Burke returned to Australia, she was employed at Diamond Valley Community Hospital as a nurse in 1953 and as Deputy Matron 1954-1971.Certificate on cream paper.Signed by Registrar.marjorie jean burke, nurses, diamond valley community hospital, general nursing council for scotland, central midwives board for scotland

Certificate to practise as a midwife in England and Wales for Marjorie Jean Burke, from the Central Midwives Board (England), issued in 1952.Miss Burke was a nurse, midwife and infant welfare sister. This collection covers her many qualifications throughout Australia and Great Britain, including references both professional and personal. When Miss Burke returned to Australia, she was employed at Diamond Valley Community Hospital as a nurse in 1953 and as Deputy Matron 1954-1971.Certificate on cream paper.Signed by Chairman and Secretary.marjorie jean burke, nurses, diamond valley community hospital, central midwives board for england and wales

E E Matthews was our donor, Alice Robinson's grandmother. Alice was the debutante - nee Clark.345-01: A Certificate of Registration for E. E. Matthews from the Midwives Board, Victoria on the 11th January, 1917. 345-02: A small cardboard programme with 4 pages inside for dance programme of the Debutante Ball held at the Cowes Shire Hall on the 26th September 1947. Small white pencil attached.midwives certificate, e e matthews, debutante ball programme, alice clark, alice robinson

Created and distributed by the Midwives Action Group, a Special Interest Group of the Royal Australian Nursing Federation (now the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation). The phrase on the badge, 'midwives make it a labour of love' is drawing attention to the inadequate working conditions and wages that the Royal Australian Nursing Federation was campaigning to improve. The Royal Australian Nursing Federation (RANF) became the Australian Nursing Federation in 1989, suggesting that this badge is from the late 1980s.Circular blue and white plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with 'MIDWIVES ACTION GROUP', 'MIDWIVES MAKE IT A LABOUR OF LOVE' and 'R.A.N.F. [Royal Australian Nursing Federation] Vic. [Victorian] Branch'.midwives, midwifery, nurses, nursing, midwives action group, royal australian nursing federation, trade unions, unionism, labour history

Certificate to practise as a registered nurse in England and Wales for Marjorie Jean Burke, from the General Nursing Council for England and Wales, issued in 1952.Miss Burke was a nurse, midwife and infant welfare sister. This collection covers her many qualifications throughout Australia and Great Britain, including references both professional and personal. When Miss Burke returned to Australia, she was employed at Diamond Valley Community Hospital as a nurse in 1953 and as Deputy Matron 1954-1971.Certificate on cream folded paper.Signed by Registrar.marjorie jean burke, nurses, diamond valley community hospital, central midwives board for england and wales, general nursing council for england and wales

An A5 sized booklet of 76 pages, includes indexnon-fictionNursing and midwifery have been the occupations of women for centuries and almost every one of us will find an ancestor who engaged in these traditional feminine pursuits. This book offers a number of different websites where you might find some helpful information including for international and government authorities, United Kingdom midwives, midwives -- australia -- history, nurses -- australia -- history, obstetrics -- australia -- history, australia -- genealogy -- sources, australia -- genealogy

Illustrated booklet with brown, black and white cover, front cover has title, authors and series names, along with three historical photos, nurses standing under the verandah of a building, handwriting witl a metal nib pen, and a group of nurses wearing capes and veils. Back cover has a summary of the book along with a small black and white photograph of a nurses in uniform with long sleeves, apron and capnon-fiction"Nursing and midwifery have been the occupations of women for centuries and almost every one of us will find an ancestor who engaged in these traditional feminine pursuits. This book, written by experts in nursing history, women's history and family history, provides practical advice on how to research the lives of nurses and midwives, the hospitals they trained and worked in, and is a guide to the many public and private repositories where sources are found in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Nurses and midwives worked in hospitals, refuges, asylums, prisons, charitable institutions and were pioneers of bush nursing, established maternity hospitals and were often important health providers in small communities in past decades. The records of their lives are found in a wide range of places, and as well as online and digitised records, this book also points the researcher toward the myriad of documentary and private records which are useful for writing their lives"--back cover. nurses-australia-history, midwives-australia-history, obstetrics-australia-history, australia-genealogy-sources

Button worn and distributed to staff and interested parties as part of a campaign that supported maintaining bachelor of nursing and midwivery programs in the university system. In late 2007-2008, regulatory authorities in Victoria were considering the possibility of education providers from the Vocational Education & Training (VET) sector (e.g. TAFEs and RTOs) receiving accreditation to offer bachelor-level nursing and midwifery qualifications. The Australian Nursing Federation (Victorian Branch), the peak industrial and professional body for Victorian nurses and midwives, resisted these moves, arguing that the approval of VET providers to offer Bachelor programs would have an adverse impact on the supply of registered nurses into the Victorian health workforce. Completion of a bachelor of nursing or midwifery remains a precondition of practising as a registered ('division 1') nurse or midwife in Australia.Circular blue and white plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with the white text 'University education for all Div[ision] 1 RNs [Registered Nurses] and [Registered Midwives]' and a small black and white image of a square academic/trencher cap.nurses, nursing, badges, education, training, qualifications, university, australian nursing federation, workforce, midwives, midwifery, undergraduate, registered nurse, registered midwife, buttons, pins

Date is approximate. Most babies in Surrey Hills were born at home until c1922 and mothers were attended by local midwives. By 1924-1926 two private hospitals has been established in Surrey Hills and most births then occurred at either Mosgiel or Nethercourt Hospital. Donor, Margaret Thornton was a daughter of William and May Palstra; one of her daughters, Julia Thornton still lives in the house in 2024. Donation form signed by Julia Thornton. The house remains in 2024 with extensions to the rear and side.Black and white photo of one of the Palstra children, possibly William, as a baby nursed by a midwife seated on the brick balustrade of the verandah at the Palstra home at 60 Guildford Road, Surrey Hills.nursing, nurses, midwives, margaret palstra, margaret thornton, 1920-1930

Mrs Catherine Sneddon, née Wardrope, wife of John Sneddon, was born in Scotland in 1828 and died at Berringa in 1914. She was listed as 'nurse' in the Victorian Electoral Roll 1905. Known in Linton as 'Granny Sneddon', she was a midwife, and had three children of her own.Formal sepia photograph of an older lady dressed in long gown with lace collar, wearing hat, seated with both hands holding a book on her lap."Mrs Sneddon "Midwife""catherine sneddon (née wardrope), granny sneddon, midwives

This is a catalogue supporting an exhibition held at the Castlemaine Art Gallery and Historical Museum.Grey soft covered booklet printed to accompany am exhibiton held at Castlemaine and Historical Museum during Heritage Week. The book lists information on Castlemaine and district doctors, Castlemaine Hospital, Pharmacists, Herbalists, Dentists, Veterinary Surgeons, Opticians, Nurses, Midwives, Chiropody, Benevolent Asylum, Private Hospitals, Caslemaine Infant Welfare Centre, Homelea Herb Farmdoctors, castlemaine hospital, pharmacists, herbalists, dentists, veterinary surgeons, opticians, nurses, midwives, chiropody, benevolent asylum, private hospitals, homelea herb farm, castlemaine infant welfare centre, richard bunce, william fisher preshaw, john cheyne, henry barraclough, daniel o. preshaw, ching chin, raymond francis duggan, enpo hong, l. goon, shee shok, algernon cyril yandell, augustus courts yandell, myrtle lucinda yandel, daniel cohen, max pincus, s. aaron, mrs foletti, vaughan, mary ann passalaqua, guildford, mary an martinoja, beatrice thurlby, elizabeth spencer, lenna hopkins, rebecca baxter, avonsleigh, ballara, jonathan chapple, alice kenyon, health

Windcheater which the midwives in old E1 had made and were sold to staff to fund raise. Some proceeds were to assist midwives attend state conferences. Other fundraising activities were also undertaken at that time to modify the stark hospital environment of E1 to a more homely environment. Graphic artist and seamstress, Geraldine Roberts of Wendouree, made the windcheaters as well as screen printed the logo which the staff designed. Geraldine also did the graphics for an educational booklet the staff produced for expectant parents. These activities were initiated by the enthusiastic staff of E1 during the early to mid 1980s."Midwifery Team, BBH, We Deliver"midwifery, 1980s, windcheater, logo, courier, new, director of nursing, broad, 1995

Kit McNaughton and fellow staff of the plastic Surgery division of the Queen Mary Hospital, Sidcup, Kent, England 1918 Also the cover picture of the paperback book, "Kitty's War" by Janet Butler 2013On Back of Photo - WWW.Kit .Mcnaughton Reminiscences from a bloody Imperial War NSW Nurses and Midwives Association Janet Butler - 'Kitty's War' Latrobe University Queen Mary Hospital Sidcup in Kent England Plastic Surgery Hospital 1918unknown

Pin awarded to, and worn by, union delegates/job representatives of the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF). Job representatives, or 'job reps', represent nurses and midwives and the union in the workplace. They provide information and advice on employee rights and conditions and referrals to the ANF when appropriate. 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 pin is from the 1990s or early 2000s.Red, black and gold pin in the shape of the state of Victoria, Australia. Printed with 'ANF AUSTRALIAN NURSING FEDERATION REPRESENTATIVE'.nursing, nurses, unionism, unions, trade unions, union delegates, badges, pins, labour history

Pin that was likely distributed to union delegates/job representatives of the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF). Job representatives, or 'job reps', represent nurses and midwives and the union in the workplace. They provide information and advice on employee rights and conditions to their colleagues and referrals to the ANF when appropriate. 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 pin is from the 1990s or early 2000s.Rectangular white, blue and silver pin. Printed with 'AUSTRALIAN NURSING FEDERATION' and a large logo ['ANF'].nursing, nurses, unionism, unions, trade unions, badges, pins, labour history

Maternity and care of the baby / prepared by the Victorian Branch of the British Medical Association and issued by the Commissioner of Maternity Allowances. Printed by L. F. Johnston, Commonwealth Government Printer, Canberra. Early settler families in Moorabbin Shire were living under very meagre conditions with very little access to medical care. Women depended on the care of a couple of District midwives and other local women who assisted with the birth and care of mother and baby. Gradually more maternal health services became available and Health Centres were established in Bentleigh, Moorabbin, Cheltenham. Post World War 11 advances in Maternal and Child Health care greatly assisted the mothers and reduced the infant mortality rate in City of Moorabbin 28 page booklet with information on how to care for a baby c1940NOTES for MOTHERS / MATERNITY / and CARE OF THE BABY / L.F Johnson Commonwealth Government Printer, Canberra / 5991 Handwritten L.Risstrom infant care, motherhood, childbirth, l. risstrom, early settlers, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, cheltenham, dr fleming joyce, dr george scantlebury, nurse watts

Mary Beatrice Josephine Maggs (1892-1960) came to Australia in 1914 and was a governess for Mr Alfred Rutter Clarke at his mansion "Merriwa" on Orrong Road, Toorak. Mary returned to England in 1919 and furthered her studies in nursing. When she returned to Australia in 1924 she was head nurse at a number of Hospitals, Private Hospital in Loch, Tatura Bush Nursing Home, Mooroopna.maggs mary, medicine, nursing, thompson jean, hospitals, early settlers, pioneers, melbourne hospital, midwives registration, midwives

"Hannah ‘Grannie’ Wattsis one of Melton’s mostcelebrated and cherished pioneers. Born in Ireland in 1831, Hannah immigrated to Australia with her husband George Byrns in 1854. Moving to Melton, they built a wattle and daub hut home where they lived with their four children until George was tragically killed in 1860. Unusually for the time, Hannah purchased land in her own name in the Melton township in 1863. Later that same year she married William Watts and together they moved to Toolern Vale and built a bluestone and mud brick home. It is believed that while travelling to Australia, Hannah assisted the ship surgeon and demonstrated a natural aptitude for the tasks assigned to her. When she was living in Melton she assisted other women in an unofficial capacity as neighbourhood midwife, while also working on her farm and raising her six children. By 1887, however, her reputation as a midwife had grown to such an extent that she was able to establish her own practice. William Watts died in 1874, but Hannah remained in Toolern Vale for the next twenty years. In 1894, she moved into the Melton township and built Lynch Cottage on the corner of Yuille and Sherwin streets, near Toolern Vale Creek. There she assisted in the births of hundreds of Melton residents, as well as the laying out of the deceased. Meticulous in her record keeping, Hannah Watts recorded the details of a total of 442 births between the years 1886 and 1921. Lynch Cottage was officially registered as a private hospital in 1911 and Hannah was listed in the Victorian Register of Midwives in 1917. Hannah Watts died on 21 October 1921, a few months after she assisted with the delivery of her final baby, Thomas Watts Minns. She was 90 years old. Hannah was buried in Melton Cemetery and mourned by the Melton community. Her obituary in the Gisborne Gazette is a testament to how beloved she was by the people she served: ... while in the absence of medical aid residents looked to Grannie as their doctor, philosopher and friend. Hundreds, in fact we might say thousands of people held the deceased in veneration ... A woman of great energy and determination combined with superior intelligence, Grannie conquered difficulties that would have made many falter... Today Grannie Watts is remembered by her descendants and by many locals in the City of Melton. Created in 1985, Hannah Watts Park honours Grannie Watts’ pioneering work for the health and wellbeing of hundreds of Meltonians. Not only is the park a fitting tribute to the memory of an outstanding citizen, it also continues to provide today’s residents and visitors with a space to walk, relax, gather and celebrate in Melton" .Tom Minns holding Debra Wain, first hospital baby to be born In Melton since 1921. Article featured in the Herald. Mother Rhonda Wain is featured in the photo too. local identities, local significant events

Mary Beatrice Josephine Maggs (1892-1960) came to Australia in 1914 and was a governess for Mr Alfred Rutter Clarke at his mansion "Merriwa" on Orrong Road, Toorak. Mary returned to England in 1919 and furthered her studies in nursing. When she returned to Australia in 1924 she was head nurse at a number of Hospitals, Private Hospital in Loch, Tatura Bush Nursing Home, Mooroopna.maggs mary, medicine, nursing, thompson jean, hospitals, early settlers, pioneers, melbourne hospital

Hard Copy

Alice Sedgman (nee Percy) – 1873-1945 Alice was born in Maldon in 1873, one of 9 children of William Henry Percy and his wife Unice King. Alice married Francis Sedgman, occupation painter, in 1896 and they went on to have 8 children, all born in Kew or Hawthorn before the family came to Surrey Hills. The electoral roll for 1903 shows the family living in Liddiard Street in Hawthorn and Alice’s occupation is given as home duties. It is the same in 1909 when they are living at 65 Croydon Road, Surrey Hills and continues to be thus listed in all electoral rolls until the 1943 edition, just before her death. However Mrs Sedgman was also an active nurse and midwife who often worked with Dr James Blakie, who had arrived in Surrey Hills in 1905, initially practicing from 171 Union Road and then in 1913 moving across the road to the purpose-built home and practice at 174 Union Road, now Surrey Hills Medical Centre. At this period most babies were born at home. Sometime after 1931 Alice and Francis Sedgman moved from 65 Croydon Road into 10 Grovedale Road and lived with their son Francis William Sedgman and his family for the remainder of their lives. The photo shows Mrs Alice Sedgman in early 1930s with grand-daughter Joy in the garden of her son. Behind her can be seen the fenced 'quarry' which is now parkland. Alice died in 1945 and Francis in 1951. They are buried in Boroondara Cemetery along with an infant son Clarence and daughter Marjorie. Alice Sedgman was one of the area's early midwives when women for the main part delivered their children at home.A black and white photograph of a lady sitting in a cane chair holding a young girl on her knee.mr francis william sedgman, mr francis sedgman, mrs alice sedgman, miss alice percy, miss joy sedgman, mrs joy scanlon, grovedale road park, grovedale road quarry, croydon road, grovedale road, midwife, nurse

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

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

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