This year marks half a decade since the first notified case of Covid-19 in Australia. The first confirmed case was announced on January 25th 2020. From then, case numbers surged leading to lockdowns in Australia and worldwide. Here in Adelaide, the first case was announced on February 2nd 2020. It was in March when things […]
At their core, souvenirs are more than just objects – they are reminders and memories of past activities. Hospitals too, have a history of selling and exchanging souvenirs and gifts. Whether it’s a commemorative keyring or a wine glass celebrating decades of nurse training, these items hold stories of the past. Below are a small […]
As we prepare to welcome in 2025 lets look back at what has happened in the CALHN Health Museum and CALHN in 2024. January We farewelled a long serving staff member Jonathan Hull who went onto work at the Holdfast Bay Council. Jonathan had been with us for several years and was a much admired […]
Take a look at how the CALHN Health Museum celebrates Christmas The Christmas festivities at the Health Museum this year began with the installation of our submission for the annual CALHN-wide Christmas decoration competition. It was all hands on deck with both volunteers and staff part of the planning and installation process. Unfortunately, we missed […]
Traditionally, Christmas festivities in our Central Adelaide Local Health Hospitals have been a time of celebration. From carol singing and festive decorations to special meals, these traditions have brought joy to patients, staff, and visitors alike. Carol singing, in particular, has played a special role in spreading holiday cheer, distracting patients from their surrounds and […]
Have you got your ticket? Now on with the show. In August 1966 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital a society was formed to strengthen staff relationships and bring together members from all over the site from nurses, doctors and even administrators. All contributing to the overall morale of the hospital. And what was this magical […]
This week’s post offers an intimate, firsthand glimpse into the lives of nurses during WWII, as captured through the sketches of Lorna Moore. Lorna (Liz) Moore, née Woolcock, was born in Unley, Adelaide, and pursued her studies at the South Australian School of Art. A talented freelance commercial artist, she moved to London in late […]
Today, the Royal Adelaide Hospital is an adult-only hospital, but that wasn’t always the case. For much of its history, children were admitted to the hospital for treatment, alongside adults. Early Days: The Adelaide Hospital Prior to the opening of the first purpose-built Adelaide Hospital in 1842, sick patients were treated at home. As the […]
The First Female doctor to receive the Military Medal. Phoebe Chapple was born in Adelaide on 31st March 1879 to Frederic Chapple and Elizabeth Sarah (nee Hunter). She commenced a Bachelor of Science course in 1896 at the University of Adelaide and completed in 1898. She went on to study Medicine, and qualified in 1904. […]
This week the CALHN Health Museum commemorated 106 years since the end of World War I The CALHN Health Museum in conjunction with the Volunteer Unit, was once again invited to honour and remember CALHN staff members who served in the Australian Defence Forces during times of armed conflict. This year the museum decided to […]
In the mid-19th century, electrotherapy was all the rage in medical treatments, especially for nerve-related ailments. One of the most intriguing devices from this era is the Improved Magneto-Electric Machine, a piece of medical equipment that combines early electrical science with the belief in its healing powers. Manufactured by William Skidmore, a surgical instrument maker […]
The humble sign used to be a piece of art Signs in hospitals are a common site. They direct you on where to go and help you navigate yourself in an unfamiliar setting. But have you ever really paid any attention to them?? At a time when there was no 3D printers or laminating machines […]
Take a sneak peak at what the CALHN Health Museum has been up to recently. The past few months have been busy at the CALHN Health Museum, with staff and volunteers actively planning and installing multiple exhibitions across the state. As custodians of over 30,000 artifacts, the museum has a wealth of exhibition topics to […]
One unique aspect of nursing training at Adelaide Hospital was the focus on cooking for invalid patients. This essential part of the curriculum was designed to equip probationer nurses with the knowledge and techniques needed to prepare nourishing meals for those recovering from illness or injury. Classes were held at the South Australian School of […]
Did you know that the Royal Adelaide Hospital had a hockey team? No.. Neither did I Everyone needs some downtime: time to relax, to have fun with friends, to get some exercise. “An outside interest or two is most necessary to the well-being of a nurse. She needs mental relaxation as well as physical”. Nurse […]