We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the place now called Victoria, and all First Peoples living and working on this land. We celebrate the history and contemporary creativity of the world’s oldest living culture and pay respect to Elders — past, present and future.
Please be aware that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Some material may contain terms that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded but may not be considered appropriate today. These views are not necessarily the views of Victorian Collections.
Users of this site should be aware that in many areas of Australia, reproduction of the names and photographs of deceased people is restricted during a period of mourning. The length of this time varies and is determined by the community.
Reuse of any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander material on this site may require cultural clearances. Users are advised to contact the source organisation to discuss appropriate reuse.
small steam sterilzer
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
Have a question? Contact Alfred Hospital Nurses League - Nursing Archive
As steam sterilisation became standard practice various types of sterilisers evolved. Water in the steriliser was heated to boiling point either by gas or by methylated spirit burners.
The more instruments that could be sterilised the better the patient outcomes. These portable sterilisers greatly improved access to sterile equipment.
Stainless steel sterilizer containing a perforated tray on which instruments were placed.
This apparatus was devised by Hamilton Irving an English general surgeon in 1907. Supra pubic prostatectomy surgery was being performed more frequently due to improvements in procedures. There were issues post-operatively as dressings were saturated with urine and causing excoriation.
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.
Supra pubic urinary drainage cover/receiver, metal receiver with two drainage outlets to enable urine to drain via an abdominal drain tube following a supra pubic cystoscopy and prostatectomy, held in place by a leather belt.
Front of appliance has 'RAMSAY' inscribed as well as 'Wd 3' [Ward 3].
post operative prostatectomy 1930s
Sister Gertrude Lawson, graduated in 1887, pictured in the operating theatre in 1907. Sr Lawrence probably did not play an active role in the surgery, at this time the surgeons were assisted by a male attendant. In 1899 Sister 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"
A rare photo of the Alfred Hospital operating theatre 1907, at that time instruments were boiled in water and soda and most receptacles were enamel ware, rubber gloves were not introduced until 1908.
Black and white photo of the operating theatre, Alfred Hospital.
The notice on the wall reads: "The floor being reserved for the hospital staff. Visitors are requested to take seats in the gallery."
nurse, operating theatre, alfred hospital
1922 was significant for the amount of building/renovation undertaken by the hospital after WWI. This photo is taken at the back of the newly completed nurse's home and the tent/marquee the nurses are standing next to gives an idea of the level of works being undertaken at the time.
The photo shows the student nurses with their Matron at the start of a new era with increased accommodation for student nurses in the Nurses’ Home they are standing near.
Black and white photograph of Matron Louisa Mann and nursing staff, 1922 at the Alfred Hospital.
louisa mann and nursing staff 1922
This crest and motto became the hospital logo in 1895 and was used until 1936. The motto had been adopted in 1880 when the hospital began nurse training.
The Alfred Hospital Nurses League, founded in 1918 designed their badge, inaugurated in 1920, based on this design. When Alfred nurses graduated from that time they paid for their badge and a year’s membership of the League. This process was continued until the School of Nursing closed in 1992. The payee cross and motto became the property of the Alfred Hospital Nurses League in 1937 when the hospital took on 'Service and Care' as their motto.
Red pattee cross set above a banner with the hospital motto inscribed.
The then hospital motto 'Ubi non est mulier ibi ingimescit aeger'. Latin, meaning ''Where woman is not, there the sick man groaneth"
alfred hospital logo, nurses league motto
Much time and effort was put into allowing children in hospital some exposure to sunshine and fresh air.
Taken in 1948, two 2nd year student nurses, caring for children in the sunshine outside the Children's Ward (Ward 15), a regular occurrence at the time.
A black and white photograph with two adults and four children.
The photograph is labeled Audrey K and Lorna M with four children on a cot in the sunshine outside Ward 15
A photograph of the first grass tennis courts at the Alfred Hospital, established in 1923, between the Edward Wilson Wing (Wards 3&5) and the nurses’ home, close to Commercial Road. This photo was taken in 1933. Many social tennis matches were held during the 70 years they were on the Alfred Hospital site.
The tennis courts were being considered in 1900 but were not established until 1923. There are many photographs and stories to justify how extensively they were used. They were relocated in 1943 when the Margaret Coles Maternity Wing was built on this site, to the other side of the walkway. The last tennis court disappeared in 1993 when a multi story car park was built on the site.
Photograph looking towards the Nurses' Home on Punt Road, Hamilton Russell House on the right. Nurses can be seen walking along the covered way to and from the hospital.
The photo is from a donation album which contains other photographs of the tennis courts.
tennis courts, main nurses' home, hamilton russell house
Bandaging was used extensively in patient care for many years. The class has been taken outside the practical room, which was in the South Wing of the Nurses Home. Wounds were often large, requiring complex dressings and secure bandaging.
To be competent at bandaging was a fundamental nursing skill for many years and great emphasis was put on it during training.
A black and white photograph showing a group nurses during bandaging practice outside.
It was common practice at the time to provide personal references directly to individuals to use as they chose.
This reference would have enabled Nurse Luly to achieve almost any position she applied for at that time.
Hand written reference on personal stationery
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'
personal reference
An article and photo of some nurses who graduated in 1952 and needed a lamp to view their certificates due to a power blackout in the St Kilda Road area.
The newspaper made the link with Florence Nightingale and her famous lamp in the Crimean War 100 years earlier.
A newspaper photograph and article congratulating the nurses who required a lamp to graduate during a power black out.
The student nurse, Isabel C. graduate of 1934, used the diary as her personal reference for procedures followed in the operating theatres and includes her own anatomical drawings. The diary has lists of theatre procedures and details of instruments. It lists the preferences of surgeons of the day - Mr MacLure, Mr Colville, Mr Trumble, Mr Ball, and Mr Renou. The nurse has done drawings of the surgical techniques used in the more common operations.
This diary shows the detail and diligence of this nurse in coping with working in the theatres. The detail in her drawings is quite remarkable as is the level of note taking/information.
A black diary used as a notebook
operating techniques, surgeon preferences, nurse training
This certificate was presented to Mrs Lucie Hallenstein OBE, a prominent member of the St Kilda auxiliary 1920-1937.
The certificate was donated by Mrs Hallenstein's granddaughter an Alfred nurse as was Mrs Hallenstein's great granddaughter.
A blue leather bound certificate which opens to reveal coloured calligraphy describing in detail the 'thank you'
Detail of the 'Thank you'.
alfred hospital. prominant auxillary worker.
Commemorative plaque created to mark 100 years of the Alfred Hospital School of Nursing 1880-1990.
The Alfred's School of Nursing was the first formal, general nurse training school in Melbourne.
Bronze commemorative plaque with the badges of the Alfred Hospital and the Alfred Hospital Nurses League
ALFRED HOSPITAL SCHOOL OF NURSING 1880-1890 THIS PLAQUE WHICH COMMEMORATES THE CENTENARY OF THE HOSPITAL'S SCHOOL OF NURSING, WAS UNVEILED ON 27TH JULY, 1981 BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE HON. SIR HENRY WINNEKE K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O., O.B.E., K. St. J., Q.C. GOVENOR OF VICTORIA
alfred school of nursing centenary plaque
Inhalation therapy has been used for over 2000 years, but it was from the early 19th century that different types of inhalers were developed. In 1865, Dr Nelson developed the improved Nelson inhaler. It is still manufactured today with very few modifications.
The efficiency of the improved Nelson's inhaler is demonstrated by the ongoing use of the item since 1865. This simple inhaler is suitable for use in homes and hospitals.
This white china inhaler has an air inlet spout and an opening at the top to add hot fluids, it holds 1 litre, and drugs to the inhaler. Once added, a cork with a glass mouth piece is placed in the neck of the inhaler. For this item plastic tubing has been used as the mouth piece.
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.
steam inhaler, dr nelson's inhaler
A steam kettle together with a steam tent was used to create a moist atmosphere. A steam tent was set up enclosing the whole bed by means of sheets/curtains and sometimes canvas, the kettle was heated over a gas or spirit stove, usually on the floor next to the bed, with the spout inserted inside the tent.
Steam inhalations were used to relieve patients with respiratory disorders and some drug therapy could be administered by this route. It was an effective method of treatment, observing the patient closely was difficult as they were completely hidden by the steam tent - many nurses got to share the steam therapy.
Copper steam kettle with elongated straight extension spout and fan shaped nozzle on the end. There is a small opening for filling the kettle which holds 4 litres.
none
steam kettle, inhalation
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.
Proper nutrition is vital for well being and recovery. The nurse's role included ensuring adequate nourishment for patients according to need and they often cooked meals for their patients. It was not until 1930 that a dietician was appointed to manage the dietary needs of patients and to set up a dietary department.
Formal black and white photograph of eleven second year student nurses, holding cooking equipment and implements ready for the lesson that appears to be happening outside.
alfred hospital, invalid cookery class.
Maria Birrell was one of the first nurses to graduate from the Alfred Hospital nurse training school in 1882. The first school commenced December 1, 1880.
Photograph from 1882 of a nurse from the first group of trainees at the Alfred.
A black and white photograph of Maria Birrell.
early graduate alfred school of nursing 1882
Haldane Turriff was the first Matron of the Alfred Hospital from 1871-1880. One of five nurses selected by Florence Nightingale and sent to Sydney, led by Lucy Osburn in 1868. Matron Turriff was one of the two nurses, selected by Lucy Osburn, to nurse Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh following the assassination attempt on the Prince in Sydney in March 1868.
Haldane Turriff, the first Matron of the Alfred Hospital, was employed as a 'Nightingale nurse' specifically to set up the hospital in the 'Nightingale' mode. This she did and was a formidable advocate for nurses and nursing.
Sepia photograph of Haldane Turriff in uniform.
On the back of the photograph is printed - 'London Portrait Gallery, 19 Royal Arcade, near the fountain, Melbourne'. A handwritten note states 'Miss Turiff [sic] Turriff, matron Alfred Hospital nursed Duke of Edinburgh after attempted assassination'.
alfred hospital, haldane turriff., first matron
These capes were worn by Registered Nurses as a formal part of their uniform. When new uniform rules were introduced 1993 capes were no longer part of the uniform code.
Red capes were the badge of the registered nurse giving a clear sign of their status.
Red woollen cape, wrist length, with a collar.
Ball & Welch Ltd Melbourne
trained nurse red cape
The honour board was made by hospital staff, in the 1930's when the award was created by the League, at the suggestion of Matron Grace Wilson. The name of the first nurse was added in 1934 and the last nurse in 1992 when the School of Nursing at the Alfred closed.
The Alfred Hospital Nurses League is responsible for all the nurse badges worn by Alfred Nurses. The League set up the Louisa Mann gold medal, awarded annually to the best nurse over the three years of training - academically and practically. This board commemorates their achievement.
Timber honour board, Louisa Mann Gold Medal lists the names of the 59 recipients of the League's badge.
Louisa Mann Gold Medal Alfred Hospital Nurses league Names of 59 nurses
alfred hospital. nurse award.
At one time all nurses wore capes. These capes were part of the formal uniform for student nurses.
The capes clearly designated the wearer as a student nurse.
Light blue woollen cape, wrist length, unlined, no collar.
Ball & Welch Ltd Melbourne
alfred hospital. student nurse uniform cape.
This medal was presented to student nurse Annie Rentle in recognition of her efforts during the fire that destroyed Wards 4 and 6 on Boxing Day 1888. Patients had to be rescued after the main staircase collapsed. All the patients survived and the nurses remained calm and in control throughout the emergency. Annie Rentle graduated in 1890
This unique medal is evidence of the appreciation of the hospital of what must have been extraordinary efforts on the part of the student nurse to ensure the safety of patients during this fire.
Medal
Front of medal has a pattee cross with 'Alfred Hospital' underneath. The hospital's Latin motto around the cross. "Ubi Non Est Mulier Ibi Ingemiscit Aeger" Meaning: 'Where woman is not, there the sick man groaneth'. The obverse reads: 'Presented to Nurse Rentle for assistance rendered at fire Dec. 26th 1888.'
alfred hospital fire 1888, nurse bravery medal
Part of the 1942 Army uniform of an Alfred nurse who saw service in Port Moresby during WWII. She worked as a theatre sister with the 2/5th Australian General Hospital.
Specific to the time of WWII the hat is an evocative reminder of the times.
Made of grey felt in Australia specifically for the Australian Army Nursing Service. The chocolate brown ribbon with grey and red trim around the hat are the specific colours for nurses.
V.558 MADE IN 1943 AUSTRALIA size 6 3/4.
wwii aans uniform
Alfred student nurses always wore arm bands to identify their level of seniority. This specific style was used from 1950-1992.
New nurses in preliminary training school had no arm badge and a red pattee cross on their hats. The 'signed on' first year student exchanged the hat with a red pattee cross for a hat with the hospital badge shown in the picture and wore the arm badge of the white pattee cross on a light blue square; the second year nurse wore a red skeletal cross on a white square and the third year nurse a filled in red cross on a white square. Prior to the 1950s the nurses from 1880 were identified by only two arm patches, a red skeletal cross and a filled in red cross which were on arm bands and were worn above the elbow on the left sleeve. This system meant that all hospital staff could tell at a glance what stage of training the student was at and behave accordingly.
Fabric arm badge patches of differing styles and smaller hat badge sewn on blue and white hounds tooth fabric used for the dresses worn by students.
student nurse training alfred hospital
The Alfred Hospital initiated a Preliminary Training School in 1933 with Gwen Burbidge in charge of the training. From 1935, this textbook was a guide for many nurse teaching hospitals in Australia.
This book assisted teachers and nurses both, for many years.
A small, light blue, fabric covered book.
The book is titled 'Lectures for Nurses'. The book was written by G. N. Burbidge and printed in 1935. Gwen Burbidge was a tutor sister at Alfred Hospital at the time the book was published. She presented this autographed copy of her book, in 1954, to Sister Headberry who was also a tutor sister at the Alfred.
nurse lecture book. alfred hospital, gwen burbidge
The first lecture at the Alfred Hospital training school for general nurses was on December 1, 1880 by Dr John Blair. He created this booklet for use with his lectures.
This booklet shows the level of preparation undertaken for nurse training from 1880 at the Alfred Hospital.
A5 size booklet titled
Opening Notes to Nurses, Rules for Nurses under Training' by John Blair M.D. F.R.C.S 1880'
, alfred hospital nurse lectures 1880, dr john blair
1905-1933.The bandage winding machine wound calico bandages for patient use. A sheet of calico was torn into strips of differing widths and a length of around 8 feet or 240 cm. The bandage was wound around the handle shaft, by hand initially, to get purchase, then the handle was turned until the bandage was tightly wound. Bandages were reused after being washed, dried and rewound on the machine.
The bandage winding machine wound a bandage more tightly than could be achieved by hand, allowing more effective bandaging.
An open wooden frame with six horizontal struts. At the top of the frame is a metal shaft and handle which winds and holds the bandage. The frame is on a wooden stand.
Under the wooden stand is written: Tutorial Dept. Alfred Hospital.
bandages and winding bandages
The DVD tells the story of the nineteen nurses from the Alfred Hospital who volunteered to work as part of civilian medical teams in Vietnam during the war. Based at the Bien Hoa Provincial Hospital in an active military zone, the nurses had to learn to adapt quickly to very difficult and unexpected situations.
A unique record of the experiences of the Alfred medical teams, particularly the nurses, in the Vietnam War, commissioned by the AHNL
Plastic DVD case
The front cover of the DVD has the inscription "Nineteen Nurses The Story of Alfred Hospital Nurses in Wartime Vietnam" The back cover of the DVD box has a synopsis of the nurses time in Vietnam. Produced by Educational Resource Centre of The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne for the Alfred Hospital Nurses League.
alfred hospital, vietnam war, nurses
An Alfred graduate of 1933 and Matron of Hamilton Hospital before the war Gwladys Thomas was already in the army reserve at the outbreak of WWII. Matron Thomas saw action in the Middle East, escaping from Tobruk just before it was cut off and she was unfortunately killed in a car accident near Ismalia in Egypt after evacuating patients at this time and died on September 1, 1941.
The League commissioned the plaque to commemorate a courageous nurse who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Large metal plaque in memory of Matron Gwladys M. Thomas, showing her in relief wearing her Army uniform.
In memory of Matron Gwladys M. Thomas AIF Trainee of Alfred Hospital. Killed in action 1941. 'Neither counted she her life dear unto herself.'
matron gwladys thomas, alfred hospital, wwii
All nursing staff wore hospital supplied uniforms for much of the twentieth century. The Royal Melbourne Hospital ran the 'Central Linen Service' for during this time - doing all the laundry for all the public hospitals in Melbourne. Staff uniforms were laundered separately, everyone had their own numbered laundry case. Staff also had a small printed docket book with duplicate copies (complete with a piece of carbon paper) and the number of uniform items were detailed when the case was sent off to the laundry. Cases had to be in the 'laundry room' at a set time each week, clean laundry returned at the same time each week and it usually took 10-15 minutes to find your case in the very full laundry room the day it came back.
The laundry box system shows what a complex and detailed system was required to keep staff clean and tidy.
Brown, pressed cardboard laundry case, no handle, catches at both ends, and protective covers on each corner of the base and lid.
Sticker stating Royal Melbourne Hospital Central Linen Service and on outside number of box E 171 (E was the identifier of the Alfred) for identification purposes.
laundry cases, royal melbourne hospital central linen service
Donated by family and friends in memory of Alfred nurse Eileen Rutherford in 1953. Eileen, a graduate of 1935, died on the Hospital Ship Centaur, bombed by the Japanese in May 1943. The sundial was demolished, along with the Main Nurses' Home in 1996. The dial and commemorative plaque were salvaged by the Archive.
The sundial, originally placed in the garden in front of the Main Nurses' Home was to remind the nurses of the future of the sacrifices of nurses during war.
Metal sundial and plaque.
On the plaque: 'Be as true to each other as the dial is to the sun'. On the sun dial: Roman numerals, showing hours, minutes and the months of the year.
sundial, hospital ship centaur, eileen rutherford
Victorian Collections acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.
