Perpetual calendar

From the Collection of Alfred Hospital Nurses League-Nursing Archives Old Monash Medical School Building, Ground Floor Alfred Hospital 55 Commercial Road melbourne Victoria

Description: A rectangular shaped perpetual calendar, pyramid shape top, on a small pedestal, made of oak timber. Four timber knobs on each side which turn the calico roll on which is printed month, date and day visable through three glass windows.
Size: H 26cm W 15.5cm D 5cm
Object Registration: 662
Keywords: calendar, oak, alfred hospital
Historical information: This calendar was used in the old administration building in the c 1920's.
When Made: circa 1920's
Significance: This item is of significance as it was used by the early hospital administrators. It is currently on display in Nursing Archives and used by the nursing archives team when the office is open.
Inscriptions & Markings: ALFRED HOSPITAL is stamped on the back of the item.
Last updated: 3 Mar 2017 at 10:09AM

Irving Urinary Receiver - Supra Pubic Urinary Drainage Cover/Receiver

Alfred Hospital Nurses League-Nursing Archives, melbourne

Oval metal supra pubic receiver with two drainage outlets to enable urine to drain via an abdominal drain tube following a supra pubic cystoscopy and prostatectomy. This appliance was used to secure progressive healing and so keep the patient dry. It was held in place by a leather belt.

Historical information

The receiver/box was devised by Hamilton Irving an English general surgeon in 1907 as the supra pubic prostatectomy operation was being performed more frequently due to improvements in anesthetics and surgical techniques. Dissatisfaction with the results of the postoperative treatment as the dressings became saturated with urine which if left in contact with the skin it soon caused excoriation. This gave rise to the development of the apparatus with subsequent benefits to the patient.

Significance

The receiver was said to be easy to apply, comfortable to wear and effective in keeping the patient dry and able to move freely in bed. It was essential to keep the supra pubic wound dry to keep it from ulcerating. Also the receiver would aid in the collection of urine for measurement as part of post operative management.

Inscriptions & Markings

Front of appliance has 'RAMSAY' inscribed as well as 'Wd 3'.

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Operating Theatre Alfred Hospital circa 1907 - Photograph

Alfred Hospital Nurses League-Nursing Archives, melbourne

This is a rare photo of the operating theatre circa 1907 at the Alfred Hospital.

Historical information

Sister Gertrude Lawson graduated 1887, is pictured in the operating theatre circa 1907 but she probably did not play an active role. At this time the surgeons were assisted by a male attendant. In 1899 Matron Laura Pratt wrote, " There were 3 main operating days, the surgeons being Mr Henry O'Hara, Mr Cook and Mr Buchanan. There was one theatre sister whose duties were to prepare the theatre and attend all operations, buy and keep instruments in repair, prepare all types of sutures. She was on duty 24 hours for emergencies with a trained deputy on call from the ward in her absence. This system was altered about 1909 when each nurse at the end of her second year was given a month in the theatre"

Significance

A rare photo of the Alfred Hospital operating theatre circa 1907. No antiseptic measures were taken in surgical work apart for instruments being boiled in water and soda. Rubber gloves were not introduced until 1908.

Inscriptions & Markings

The notice on the wall reads: "The floor being reserved for the hospital staff. Visitors are requested to take seats in the gallery."

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Matron Louisa Mann & Staff 1922 - Photograph

Alfred Hospital Nurses League-Nursing Archives, melbourne

A photograph of Matron Louisa Mann and nursing staff taken in 1922 at the Alfred Hospital.

Historical information

Many photographs were taken of Matron Mann & Staff in 1922. It was described as a 'progressive year' in relation to building expansion. The Linay Pavilion was renovated and remodeled; concrete modern covered ways connecting Wards and the operating theatre had been completed; and the new home for nurses had been opened & a covered way constructed from the nurses quarters to main buildings. There were also renovations to portions of the Administration Block.

Significance

Many photographs of the Matron and Staff were published in 1922 with the new buildings in the background .For example, the construction of Nurses Home was the completion of the scheme inaugurated in 1908 when night nurses' quarters were erected. The new building contained 124 rooms, in addition to pantries, box rooms and all necessary offices. A larger nurses home secured accommodation for more nurses to be trained.

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The evolution of Alfred Hospital crests 1895-1936 - crest

Alfred Hospital Nurses League-Nursing Archives, melbourne

This crest and motto was used at the Alfred Hospital between 1895 and 1936. But, the motto was introduced in 1880 when the hospital introduced a nurse training program.

Historical information

This crest and motto was designed at the Alfred Hospital in 1895 and used until 1936.It featured a red pattee cross set above a motto which was introduced when the Alfred Hospital began nurse training in 1880.

Significance

The motto is significant to the Alfred Hospital Nurses League Inc. established 18th October 1918. There was no hospital badge for nurses on graduation from the Alfred Hospital, so the Alfred Hospital Nurses League Inc. had a badge designed with the hospital crest and motto which the League presented to Alfred Hospital nurses graduating from 1920 onwards.Reference: Alfred Hospital Nurses League minute books, 1919-1920.

Inscriptions & Markings

A crest was designed consisting of a red pattee cross set above the words ," Where there is not a woman, there the sick man groaneth"

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Nursing children in the sunshine- Ward 15-1948 - Photograph

Alfred Hospital Nurses League-Nursing Archives, melbourne

A photograph taken circa 1948, of two trainee 2nd year nurses, caring for children in the sunshine outside the Children's Ward 15.

Historical information

This photograph of two Alfred Hospital trainee nurses with children indicates how important it was to allow children in hospital some exposure to sunshine and fresh air.

Significance

The Children's Ward 15 at the Alfred Hospital was on the ground floor and opened in 1902, west of the Administration Block. The upper level was Ward 12, a women's Medical Ward. A feature of this wing is that it had verandahs and balconies on both sides, these being equipped with a special design of blind. Patients could benefit by the morning as well as the afternoon sunshine.

Inscriptions & Markings

The photograph is labeled Audrey K and Lorna M with four children on a cot in the sunshine outside Ward 15

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Tennis courts at Alfred Hospital 1933 - photograph 1933

Alfred Hospital Nurses League-Nursing Archives, melbourne

The first grass tennis courts were built in 1923 between the Edward Wilson Wing[ Wards 3 & 5] and the nurses home, close to Commercial Road. This photograph was taken in 1933. In 1943 the Margaret Coles Maternity Wing opened on this site. The tennis courts were relocated to the other side of the walkway until 1993 when the multi story car park occupied the site.

Historical information

This is a photograph of the first grass tennis courts at the Alfred Hospital. They were built in 1923. The photo was taken in 1933.Many social tennis matches were held during the 70 years they were on the Alfred Hospital site.

Significance

The tennis courts were being considered in 1900. They were not established until 1923 and there are many photographs and stories to justify how extensively they were used. They were relocated in 1943 and used until a multi story car park was built on the site in 1993.

Inscriptions & Markings

The photo is from a donation album which contains other photographs of the tennis courts.

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Nurses learning to bandage 1933 - photograph

Alfred Hospital Nurses League-Nursing Archives, melbourne

This photograph shows a group nurses during bandaging practice outside the practical room which was at the South Wing of the Nurses Home

Historical information

This photo shows a group of student nurses who are practicing bandaging in the sunshine near their practical classroom in 1933. Two tutor sisters are teaching them. They are wearing veils and their uniforms have become slightly shorter in length during the 1930's.

Significance

It was very important for nurses to practice bandaging during their nurse training , as the application of a comfortable and supportive bandage to a patient was indicative of skilled, high grade training.

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Work reference for Nurse Gwendoline Luly - letter

Alfred Hospital Nurses League-Nursing Archives, melbourne

A work reference for Nurse Gwendoline Luly who graduated in 1922 from a prominent Alfred Hospital Surgeon Mr James Buchanan in 1929

Historical information

This work reference for Nurse Luly is an example of the value placed on highly skilled nurses, who trained at the Alfred Hospital in the 1920's..

Significance

A highly skilled surgical nurse is highly sought after. To receive a work reference from a prominent surgeon would ensure the nurse could have the type of surgical work she liked, to provide work satisfaction and allow her to travel if she chose.

Inscriptions & Markings

The Reference reads: 'Sister Gwen Luly was a Theatre Sister at the Alfred Hospital from May 1922 to February 1926. A fact that speaks for itself as to her surgical and nursing capabilities. She is without doubt one of the finest nurses we have ever had on our staff and I can most highly recommend her for any position requiring nursing and surgical skill of a high grade- James Buchanan'

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Nurse Graduation photo 1952 - photograph

Alfred Hospital Nurses League-Nursing Archives, melbourne

A newspaper photograph and a short article congratulating the nurses who have recently graduated in nursing during a power black out.

Historical information

This is a photo of some nurses who graduated in 1962. It became a story for the newspapers as the nurses needed to view their certificates by using a lamp during a power blackout in the St Kilda Road area.

Significance

Florence Nightingale required the use of a lamp to nurse her patients in mid 1850's . These new graduates required a lamp to view their graduation certificates in 1952

Inscriptions & Markings

The article describes the nurses graduation which was held during a power blackout. They required the use of a lamp to see their graduation certificates.

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Operating Theatre notes in a small black diary - book

Alfred Hospital Nurses League-Nursing Archives, melbourne

A small black covered diary created and written by Isabel C. Grad 1934

Historical information

This small black operating theatre diary was created and used by a nurse during her training at the Alfred Hospital. She would have referred to it when undergoing her operating room experience. There are anatomical drawings by the nurse.

Significance

This operating room diary is significant as it enhanced learning for the nurse and also was necessary to refer to when assisting the surgeons.

Inscriptions & Markings

It contains lists of theatre procedures, details of instruments, considerations by Surgeons- Mr MacLure, Mr Colville, Mr Trumble, Mr Ball, & Mr Renou. Also drawings of the surgical technique of the most common operations.

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Bound Certificate- 1937

Alfred Hospital Nurses League-Nursing Archives, melbourne

A blue leather bound certificate which folds open to reveal coloured calligraphy describing a 'thank you' to an esteemed auxiliary committee member in 1937.

Historical information

This certificate was presented to Mrs Lucie Hallenstein who was a prominent auxiliary member 1920-1937.

Significance

The certificate is significant as it was donated by Mrs Hallensteins granddaughter who trained and nursed at the Alfred Hospital and her great granddaughter also nursed here.

Inscriptions & Markings

Front cover: Alfred Hospital Service & Care Incorporated Melbourne & logo. Mrs R. Hallenstein OBE . 1937. Inside: Detail of the 'Thank you'.

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Commerative plaque

Alfred Hospital Nurses League-Nursing Archives, melbourne

Bronze plaque commemorating 100 years of School of Nursing 1880-1980. Unveiled on 27th July 1981

Historical information

This commemorative plaque was created to mark the 100 years of the Alfred Hospital School of Nursing since Dec. 1880.

Significance

The plaque is significant as the Alfred Hospital School of nursing was the first formal , general nurse training school in Melbourne.

Inscriptions & Markings

As above unveiled by Governor of Victoria Hon. Sir Henry Winneke. Badge of A.H. Badge of A.H.N.L.

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Steam inhaler - Dr Nelson's inhaler

Alfred Hospital Nurses League-Nursing Archives, melbourne

This white inhaler has an air inlet spout and an opening at the top to add hot fluids and drugs to the inhaler. Once added, a cork with a glass mouth piece is placed in the neck of the inhaler . In this item plastic tubing has been used as the mouth piece.

Historical information

Inhalation therapy has been used for over 2000 years, but it was from the early 19th centaury that different types of inhalers were developed. In 1865, Dr Nelson invented the improved Nelson inhaler. It is still manufactured today with very few modifications.

Significance

The efficiency of the improved Nelson's inhaler is demonstrated by the use of the item from 1865 up until now. Steam inhalations are used to relieve spasmodic breathing, to disinfect bronchial secretions and to facilitate expectoration of mucus. This type of inhaler may be used at home, without the need fro complicated and expensive equipment.

Inscriptions & Markings

On base inscribed, 'Dr Nelson's improved inhaler: Directions for use. Remove mouth piece, half fill inhaler with boiling water. Replace mouth piece and apply lips to it, breathe freely in and out as in ordinary full respiration.

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Small sterilizer-portable instrument & syringe sterilizer

Alfred Hospital Nurses League-Nursing Archives, melbourne

The sterilizer is made of stainless steel and constructed like a fish kettle with a perforated tray on which instruments and syringes were placed. Hot water is heated to boiling point either by gas or by methylated spirit burners.

Historical information

Louis Pasteur, a French scientist in 1863, identified that microscopic living creatures caused fermentation and putrefaction.Following this he boiled the fermenting substances which killed the microbes development. Robert Koch, a German doctor proved conclusively in his experiments that the living creatures that he called bacteria caused infections. He demonstrated that live steam was superior to chemicals in killing bacteria. Curt Schimmelbusch, a German scientist and Felix Terrier a French scientist, almost simultaneously created the practice of steam sterilization which became the standard for sterilization in Operating Theatres world wide.

Significance

Wound infection was a major cause of death following surgery. The discovery of steam as a method of killing microorganisms led to the development of sterilizers. The steam sterilization of instruments, syringes and the use of chemicals for some objects used in surgery helped reduce the infection rate.

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Copper Steam Kettle, extension and spout. - Listers spray

Alfred Hospital Nurses League-Nursing Archives, melbourne

The steam kettle is made entirely of copper and is enclosed. It has an elongated straight extension, a fan shaped spout and a small opening for filling.

Historical information

Steam kettle together with a steam tent was used to maintain a constantly moist atmosphere. A steam tent is a tent enclosing the whole bed by means or sheets or curtains to allow the steam to enter. The kettle was heated over a gas or spirit stove as electricity was not connected to the wards until 1919.

Significance

Steam inhalations were used to relieve patients with respiratory disorders such as bronchitis, croup and laryngitis. Drug therapy could also be used by this route. It was an effective method of treatment prior to the introduction of modern therapy in hospitals such as humidifiers and nebulizers.

Inscriptions & Markings

none

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Photograph-pupil nurses invalid cookery class 1907 - Invalid cookery class 1907

Alfred Hospital Nurses League-Nursing Archives, melbourne

A staged black and white photograph of eleven pupil nurses in an invalid cookery class in 1907. They are holding cooking equipment and implements in readiness for the practical lesson.

Historical information

Theoretical and practical lessons in invalid cookery commenced in 1902 for third year pupil nurses. From 1903 it was part of second year training and then it was part of first year training.later an invalid cookery qualification was a prerequisite for the entry to a nurse training course.

Significance

It is an important requirement that patients get adequate nourishment which is appropriate for their medical condition, other wise their recovery can be slow or negligible. It was not until 1930 that a dietician was appointed to manage the dietary needs of patients and to set up a dietary department. Therefore it was necessary prior to this that nurses have knowledge of the different classes of food and their value to the well being of patients and to be able to prepare basic recipes.

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Photo: Nurse Maria Birrell

Alfred Hospital Nurses League-Nursing Archives, melbourne

A black and white photograph, showing nurse Maria Birrell circa 1882 dressed in her civilian clothes.

Historical information

Nurse Maria Birrell was one of the first nurses to graduate from the Alfred Hospital nurse training school in 1882. The first school commenced 1st December 1880.

Significance

The Alfred Hospital nurse training school was established and commenced 1st December 1880 and there are very few photographs of the early student nurses.

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photo: Matron Haldane Turriff

Alfred Hospital Nurses League-Nursing Archives, melbourne

Small, original sepia photograph, showing Haldane Turriff standing in uniform, circa 1871.There is an inscription on reverse side of photograph

Historical information

Haldane Turriff was the first Matron of the Alfred Hospital from 1871-1880. She was one of five nurses selected by Florence Nightingale to be sent out to Sydney with Lucy Osburn in 1868. She was one of two nurses selected by Lucy Osburn to nurse Prince Alfred , Duke of Edinburgh following a failed assassination attempt that occurred in March 1868.

Significance

Haldane Turriff , as the first Matron of the Alfred Hospital, was the link between the Nightingale School at St Thomas Hospital, London and the Alfred Hospital. Although she did not establish a training school at the Alfred Hospital in the Nightingale tradition, she laid the foundation for an excellent standard of nursing that has continued today.

Inscriptions & Markings

On the reverse side of the photograph there is printed the name and address of the photography gallery ie London portrait gallery, 19 Royal Arcade, near the fountain, Melbourne. The inscription[ in handwriting] states 'Miss Turiff [sic] Turriff, matron Alfred Hospital nursed Duke of Edinburgh after attempted assassination.

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Registered Nurse red cape

Alfred Hospital Nurses League-Nursing Archives, melbourne

This red woollen cape is wrist length, unlined, with a collar and worn by Alfred Hospital Registered Nurses until 1993.

Historical information

These capes were worn by Registered Nurses and were worn when going on duty, when going off duty, when called to see the Matron or a senior nurse but never worn on duty. They were made of light woollen fabric so some nurses lined their capes for added warmth. When new uniform rules were introduced 1993, the capes were not part of the uniform code.

Significance

These capes were the only means of warmth for nurses when in uniform. The strict rules of uniform meant no other visible clothing could be worn for warmth.

Inscriptions & Markings

Ball & Welch Ltd Melbourne

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Louisa Mann Gold Medal Board

Alfred Hospital Nurses League-Nursing Archives, melbourne

This honour board, made of timber, lists the names of 59 nurses who were awarded at an annual event , the Louisa Mann Gold Medal to the most outstanding nurse in three years of training [theory and practice].

Historical information

This timber honour board was created in the 1930's and the name of the first nurse was added in 1934. The name of the last nurse was 1992 as the School of Nursing at Alfred Hospital closed.

Significance

This honour board is significant to all nurses who graduated from Alfred Hospital as it was a privilege to be nominated the nurse with best over all performance during the groups 3 years of training.

Inscriptions & Markings

Louisa Mann Gold Medal Alfred Hospital Nurses league Names of nurses

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Perpetual calendar

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