Illuminating – Chapel Windows

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 […]

Both Electrocardiograph (ECG)

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 […]

RAH Saves Life of F1 Driver

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 […]

RAH Auxiliary Turns 100!

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 […]

Remembering Bangka Island

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 […]

The Edison’s of Australia

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 […]

Goodbye 2024

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 […]

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION … The TQEH REVUE

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 […]

Dr Phoebe Chapple

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. […]

A Sign of the Times

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 […]

GO TEAM!

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 […]

Chatelaine… A What?

A fancy word for a nurses utility belt which seemed to include a tool to handle any emergency. The word comes from the French term chatelaine meaning the mistress of the chateau. She would have worn a belt for her keys which is where the present term comes from. In the 19th century, when nursing […]

A Faithful Journey

Part 1: From humble beginnings Pastoral care has been part of the hospital from very early days.  Initially, this was offered by visiting ministers, who provided ‘religious services in the room set apart for that purpose’ (Annual Report, 1879) In 1881 the nurses dining room in the East Wing was being used as a chapel […]