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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Part 2: As the Royal Adelaide Hospital moves sites so does spiritual care. On the 25th August 2017 the Chapel at the Royal Adelaide Hospital was decommissioned. A ceremony was held to officially end worship at Royal Adelaide Hospital site. Memories were shared about past spiritual care on the site and hopes for the future. […]
Group of South African Boer War medals and ribbons belonging to Archibald Watson – brilliant, eccentric anatomist and surgeon. 2. Ribbon band for Queen’s South Africa Medal and Kings. The ribbon has stripes of green, white, orange and red, blue and yellow,; 3. Miniature King’s South Africa Medal 1901-1902. The ribbon has stripes of green, […]
Part 5: 1970 – 2017 The next few decades in the Royal Adelaide Hospital’s history didn’t see as much architectural change as the preceding ones. Instead, the hospital entered an era of specialisation and restructuring. In 1971, honorary doctors providing unpaid labour were replaced by paid visiting medical staff. That same year, the volunteer unit […]
Who would have thought there would be so many uses for the humble spoon! Within the CALHN Health Museum’s collection, there are spoons for heating amalgam, scooping mustard and stirring a simple cup of tea. There are metal spoons, ceramic, wooden and even glass spoons. Below is a small selection of some of the different […]
Part 4: 1960s Hospital Redevelopment Following World War II, Adelaide experienced a significant population boom and an influx of migrants. This surge placed considerable demand and strain on the Royal Adelaide Hospital, its services, and staff. The need for redevelopment of the hospital site was first discussed in the 1950s. At that time, the hospital […]