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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
They were called the “Edisons of Australia” and yet wildly unknown. Who were so important to receive this admiring nickname and what did they have to do with medical history? Continue reading to find out. Brothers Edward Thomas and Donald James Ross BOTH were born in Caltowie, South Australia to parents James Alexander Both and […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]