Nursing as a profession, has one of the most recognised uniforms. When using the word ‘Nurse’ you often think of the traditional white uniform, cape, hat and apron. Traditional nursing uniforms had a multitude of purposes, including identifying the hospital, rank, seniority, and promoting formality, respect, and training. At the Royal Adelaide Hospital, standardised uniforms […]
“Anyone who is even remotely connected with the practice of medicine knows that modern surgery depends to a great extent on the availability of adequate anaesthesia” J Estcourt Hughes, A History of the Royal Adelaide Hospital, 1982 Ether was first used for surgical operations at Adelaide Hospital in 1847, marking the introduction of general anesthesia. […]
On 1 August, our volunteers joined the Central Adelaide Local Health Network Volunteers to recognise their fantastic contributions to our organisation and community. This year’s 2023 Reward and Recognition luncheon was held at the National Wine Centre of Australia. Our volunteers joined over 200 volunteers from multiple departments within the Central Adelaide Local Health Network. […]
What do you do when you merge two wards together and now have a surplus of linen stamped with an obsolete name? This was a problem faced by the Royal Adelaide Hospital in 1945. When the Magill Wards of the Royal Adelaide Hospital were established in 1939 (at Magill) there was one large ward/block that […]
The Annual Inter-Hospital Swimming Carnival for Nurses was held from 1954 to 1963 at the Adelaide Olympic Pool. The event was open to both public and private hospitals and was very popular. A major drawcard were the novelty events: ‘Get there as best you can’ swim race; Nurses Bathing Beauty Contest; Balloon swimming race; ‘Flappers […]
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. This is the theme for today, this year’s International Women’s Day. It’s a day devoted to honouring the achievements of women throughout history. The day is celebrated […]
Slate roof tile from the Adelaide Hospital Gatehouse The Adelaide Hospital Gatehouse was completed in early 1860’s, along with the perimeter wall and gates. Constructed from Glen Osmond stone, with a slate roof. Glen Osmond bluestone was a hard, greenish grey fine-grained sandstone. As a roof material, slate was ideal material for rooves due to […]
The Health Museum’s staff recently refreshed their skills in the preventative conservation of collection objects in the beautiful setting of the Mortlock Library, Adelaide. Part of the day included hands on practice making mounts to display museum photographs, books, and artwork. Japanese tissue paper was used to make corners for artwork and photographs to keep […]
Historically, nurse’s capes were both symbolic as well as practical. They were a standard part of a nurse’s uniform and although mainly worn in winter months, they allowed the nurse to move freely and keep uniforms clean underneath. Royal Adelaide Hospital Registered Nurse’s (known as either a Charge Nurse or Sister) at the Adelaide Hospital, […]
The setting of broken bones using Plaster of Paris is a common practice at Central Adelaide Local Health Network hospitals. Immobilizing broken limbs has occurred for thousands of years. Beginning with simple wooden splints, evolving over the centuries to plaster of Paris, fibre glass and soft casts. Plaster of Paris was first used in casts […]
A huge shout out to Kelly Bonito from A Colourful History for bringing the “Adelaide Hospital Infectious Diseases Block” alive. In Kelly’s words “Bringing the world of the old to life by colourising old photos”. Please go and check out her wonderful Facebook page, where beautiful black and white photographs are revitalised with colour! The […]
At the beginning of the twentieth Century, the gardens of the Adelaide Hospital (North Terrace) were one of its most outstanding features. The attractive gardens occupied the frontage of North Terrace, however they slowly disappeared as the various new buildings were erected. t There was a wide expanse of well-kept lawns with flower beds and […]
July 28 is World Hepatitis Day and ‘Hepatitis Can’t Wait’ is the Australian 2022 theme. This recognizes that in the ongoing Covid-19 epidemic, Australians can’t wait to act on eliminating hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. It can be brought on by alcohol, drugs, viruses and other toxins. Viral hepatitis refers to […]
To assist nursing students, Operating Theatre Instrument Manual’s had photographs of instrument trays and corresponding lists of equipment used. One of the responsibilities of a nursing theatre sister was to set up an instrument tray with the correct equipment for an operation. Each type of operation required its own particular instruments, laid out in a […]
This week (16 to 22 May) is National Volunteer Week and the CALHN Health Museum wishes our volunteers ‘Happy Volunteer Week’ and acknowledges and celebrates their valuable contribution. We have volunteers at both Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital working on a variety of projects including conducting oral histories, organising and presenting events […]