While hospital beds are just part of the hospital furniture, their design, availability and even their cleanliness, have been concerns that directly affected patient care since the Royal Adelaide Hospital opened in 1842. The Black Bed Era The first hospital beds used at the Adelaide Hospital were known colloquially as ‘Black beds’. These were low […]
Volunteers play an integral part in our community be it as part of a community group or fundraising for the local sporting club. May recognises the amazing work and contributions that volunteers provide to the community. At the CALHN Health Museum we are celebrating our volunteers for their amazing work. May 19th– 23rd was National […]
In a quiet corner of the old Royal Adelaide Hospital, formally located on North Terrace on the western side of the driveway by the East Wing, there was a small garden with the most beautiful roses. For nearly 30 years this garden was developed and cared for by Dr Allan Campbell. Established in 1976, the […]
Window’s are part of our daily lives but some window’s are more than just glass. Stained glass window’s often tell a story and offer special meaning. Lets take a look at some of the stained glass window’s throughout CALHN. Royal Adelaide Hospital In 1972 as part of the Royal Adelaide Hospital Redevelopment a purpose built […]
This week marks the beginning of South Australia’s History Festival. The festival runs through the whole month of May, with this year’s theme being ‘decisions’. The CALHN Health Museum will be offering a range of events throughout the month, scattered over its multiple sites. Tour – Exploring the Infectious Diseases Hospital Explore Hampstead Rehabilitation Centres […]
In 1932 South Australian inventor Edward ‘Ted’ Both invented an electrocardiograph, which was one of the first direct writing electrocardiographs in the world. So how did a man from small town Caltowie come up with this idea? The Idea It was during a visit to the local doctor. While seeking treatment for an injured hand […]
In the decades following World War II, tuberculosis remained one of Australia’s leading causes of death. Often dubbed the ‘silent killer’, tuberculosis could remain undetected for months or even years, spreading quietly through the population. In response, public health authorities launched an Australia-wide initiative that ran from 1948 until 1976. In this post, we take […]
Within the cracked walls of the decaying Metropolitan Infectious Diseases Hospital’s old kitchen, a unique piece of medical equipment and Australian history stands – the whole body monitor scanner. The workers at the atomic weapon testing range, Maralinga, built the whole body monitor scanner. It is one of only two in the southern hemisphere (the […]
Within the CALHN Health Museum is a fascinating collection of pharmaceuticals manufactured by AM Bickford & Sons. Long before Bickford’s became a household name for cordials and soft drinks, it was a trusted name in medicine. As one of Adelaide’s earliest apothecaries, Bickford’s produced tinctures, tonics and remedies for the growing colony. William Bickford William […]
In November 1995 Adelaide hosted the final race of the 1995 Australian Grand Prix. It was the final race of the season and the last to be held in Adelaide. But what does this have to do with the Royal Adelaide Hospital? Mclaren driver Mika Häkkinen’s crash is one of the most dramatic moments in […]
With Saint Patricks Day celebrations rife this week, thoughts of shamrocks, leprechauns and all things green come to mind. But beyond the Emerald Isle’s national day, it’s colour of pride is carefully preserved in the museums collection. To be a part of the festivities, the CALHN Health Museum has curated a selection of items bearing […]
February 21st 2025 marks 60 years since the first kidney transplant was performed in Australia. This achievement is made all the more significant by the fact that it took place at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH) in Woodville. The recipient was Pasquale (Peter) Tirmacco, a 33 year old husband and father of three, who was […]
The Royal Adelaide Hospital Auxiliary turns 100 in February 2025 and is a significant achievement. For a century, the auxiliary has played a vital role in supporting the hospital through fundraising efforts, which have contributed to various aspects of patient care, research, and hospital development. This anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the hard […]
16th May 1922 – 12th February 2025 Joan’s life was dedicated to others through her lifelong career in nursing, with a special focus on nursing education. We take a moment to reflect on her remarkable life through this short biography Dr Joan Durdin was born in Adelaide in 1922 and was educated at the Methodist […]
This weekend marks the 83rd anniversary of the sinking of the SS Vyner Brooke and the Bangka Island Massacre. It’s important to take time to remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives, especially during such tragic and harrowing events. The sinking of the SS Vyner Brooke and the Bangka Island Massacre stand as grim […]