Starting work as a probationer or trainee nurse was never easy. For generations of probationers at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, the first day meant stepping into a world of strict rules, heavy workloads, and unfamiliar routines. The CALHN Health Museum’s oral history collection captures these moments, with nurses recalling their first impressions, early mistakes, and […]
For much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, nursing was not just a job, it could be a dangerous calling. Hospitals, far from being the clean, clinical environments we know today, were often a hotbed for diseases. Nurses daily treated patients with diseases such tuberculosis, polio, typhus, smallpox, diphtheria and influenza, not to mention […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]