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.

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.

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.

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

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"

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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"

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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..

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.

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

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'

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

alfred hospital. prominant auxillary worker.

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

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

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

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

a.h. school of nursing plaque

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

sterilizer. portable instrument sterilizer

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.

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.

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.

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steam kettle, inhalation, listers spray, bronchitis kettle

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.

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.

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.

alfred hospital, pupil nurses, invalid cookery class.

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.

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

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

alfred hospital. nurse maria birrell.

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.

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.

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

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.

alfred hospital, nursing, matron, haldane turriff.

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.

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.

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

Ball & Welch Ltd Melbourne

alfred hospital nurse uniform cape

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.

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.

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].

Louisa Mann Gold Medal Alfred Hospital Nurses league Names of nurses

alfred hospital. nurse award.

These capes were worn by student nurses. They were worn when going on duty, when going off duty, when called to see the Matron or senior nurse but never worn on duty. They were made of light woollen fabric so some nurses lined their capes for added warmth.

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

This light blue woollen cape is wrist length, unlined, without a collar and worn by Alfred Hospital student nurses until 1992.

Ball & Welch Ltd Melbourne

alfred hospital. student nurse uniform cape.

This banner was initiated by a nurse in preparation for the 50 year reunion of her nurse training group in 2013. They commenced nursing in 1963 and graduated in 1966. The banner was brought to a venue in Kooyong in March 2013 where they met for a reunion dinner.

This banner is significant to nurses who commenced training in 1963 and graduated in March 1966 as it reminds the nurses of their training days 50 years ago and their ongoing camaradarie and friendship.

This plasticised poster with original preliminary Training School photos, congratulation notice and drawings was created for the group celebrating 50 years since they commenced nursing in 1963.

This medal was presented to nurse Rentle in appreciation and recognition of the extraordinary effort she achieved by her courage to rescue patients during a fire which destroyed Wards 4 and 6 at the Alfred Hospital on Boxing Day in 1888. All patients survived. Nurse Annie Rentle graduated in 1890

This medal is significant as it is evidence of the appreciation by the hospital by the heroic efforts of the student nurse to ensure the safety of patients during this fire.

This small round medal has been inscribed with the name of nurse Annie Rentle to whom it was awarded.

Front of medal has a Maltese Cross with 'Alfred Hospital' underneath. Latin wording around the cross. "Ubi Non Esti Mulier Ibi Ingemiscit Aeger" Meaning: 'Where there is not a women, there the sick man groaneth '. The obverse reads: 'Presented to Nurse Rentle for assistance rendered at fire Dec. 26th 1888.' Unfortunately, her name on the medal reads as ' Renile.'

alfred hospital, hero, medal

The Alfred Hospital trained nurse, who wore and owned this hat, served in Port Moresby during WW11. This hat was part of her uniform. She was in the 2nd/ 5th Australian General Hospital Unit and worked as a theatre sister.

This hat is significant because Australian nurses serving in the Australian Army Nursing Service all wore this same styie of uniform and it reminds us of their valuable service to their country.

This grey coloured hat made of felt was created in Australia for the Australian Army Nursing Service. It has a brown ribbon with a red trim around the hat.The hat was worn by an Alfred Hospital nurse who graduated in 1940. She served in Port Moresby.

V.558 MADE IN 1943 AUSTRALIA size 6 3/4.

The student nurse arm badge patches were introduced in the 1950's to identify the seniority of the nurse during the 3 years of training. The first year nurse wore a white maltese/pattee cross patch 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 1950's 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 pushed up and positioned over the left sleeve.

These arm badge patches are significant to nurses who trained at Alfred Hospital as they remind them of the different phases of their three years of nurse training.

These three arm badge patches are made of fabric. They represent the seniority of the student nurse during her training at the Alfred Hospital. These badges were sown onto the outer left sleeve of the uniform after the nurse passed each phase of training. Worn on a uniform sleeve between 1950 and 1992.

student nurse training alfred hospital

The Alfred Hospital commenced a Preliminary Training School in 1933. From 1935, this textbook was a guide for many nurse teaching hospitals in Australia.

This book is significant as it efficiently assisted teaches and nurses. Before it was created, nurses took hand written notes at lecture periods or used roneoed doctors lectures.

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.She was a tutor sister at Alfred Hospital. She has autographed the book.The book was presented to her in 1954 to Sister Headberry who was also a tutor sister.

nurse lecture book. alfred hospital

The Alfred Hospital was the first nurse training school for general nurses in Victoria. The first lecture was 1st December 1880 by Dr. John Blair. He created this booklet and included an examination.

This booklet if significant as it shows the preparation required to ensure quality nurse training from 1880 at the Alfred Hospital.

This small A 5 size booklet is one of many copies. It is made of paper and printed in black ink. It is titled 'Opening. Notes to Nurses, Rules for Nurses under Training' by John Blair M.D. F.R.C.S 1880'

Circa 1905-1933.The bandage winding machine manually wound calico bandages for patient use. A sheet of calico was torn into strips of differing widths. The length was 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. Each bandage could be reused, after it was washed, dried and rewound on the machine.

The bandage winding machine enabled a more effective use of a bandage on a patient, as the machine wound it more tightly than a hand rolled bandage thus allowing more effective bandaging.

An open wooden frame supported by six small horizontal beams. At the top of the frame is a metal shaft and handle which holds a bandage. The frame is on a wooden stand.

Under the wooden stand is written: Tutorial Dept. Alfred Hospital.

applying bandages, bandage winding machine. alfred hospital

This DVD, years in the making, tells the story of nineteen nurses from The Alfred Hospital who bravely volunteered to work in the heat and the turmoil of the Vietnam War. The Bien Hoa Provincal Hospital was in a very active military zone and the nurses quickly discovered how unprepared they were for what lay ahead.

This is an unique record in words and pictures of Alfred Hospital Trained civilian nurses volunteering in a significant war, The Vietnam War

Rectangular plastic DVD box with DVD included.The DVD which runs for 1 hour has interviews,film and photos detailing the service of 19 AH nurses in Bien Hoa during the Vietnam War in the 1960s. Yellow colouring on cover with photgraph of two Alfred Hospital Nurses with Vietnamese children.

The cover of the DVD has the inscription "Nineteen Nurses The Story of Alfred Hospital Nurses in Wartime Vietnam" The back side of the DVD box has a synopsis of the nurses time in Vietnam and quotes from 2 AH nurses.Produced by Educational Resource Centre of The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne for the Alfred Hospital Nurses League.

alfred hospital, vietnam war, nurses, dvd

Matron Thomas was already in the army reserve at the outbreak of WW11, saw action in Middle East, unfortunately killed in a car accident after evacuating patients at this time.

The memorial plaque is significant because Matron Thomas was an Alfred Hospital graduate and remembered by the Alfred Nurses League and Alfred hospital.

This large metal plaque made from metal and brass is to the memory of Matron G. M. Thomas, Alfred Hospital Graduate 1933,was Matron of Hamilton Hospital and was killed in action in 1941.The plaque contains a 3D image of G. M. Thomas wearing her Alfred Hospital Nurses League badge.

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, ww11

All nursing staff during this period had their uniforms laundered in this way. Uniforms suppied by Alfred Hospital to nurses were conpulsory.

The significance of the laundry case shows how times have changed for nursing staff in that uniforms, if worn, are laundered by the staff themselves.

This brown, pressed cardboard laundry case, no handle, and catches at both ends,with protective covers on each corner of the case and lid, was used for soiled nurse uniforms and taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital Linen Service. The cases were returned to the nurse with laundered uniforms, Each nurse was allocated her own numbered case.This service commenced c 1953 until April 1992.Nurses then supplied and laundered their own uniform and the hospital laundry contact moved to Warrigal Linen Service.

Sticker stating Royal Melbourne Hospital Central Linen Service and on outside number of box E 171 for identification purposes.

laundry cases, alfred hospital. royal melbourne hospital