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 […]
This 1870’s ophthalmoscope sits in a purpose built leather case, lined with blue velvet and taffeta. A strip of braid on inside the lid contains a large (5cm) convex lens. The ivory and brass handle, detaches by a screw thread at the base to enable storage in the case. Two lenses are of different strengths […]
Flinders and Light Wards opened in 1894 as part of the Adelaide Hospital’s new East Wing. Originally Flinders Ward was a 36 bed, female medical ward treating patients with diseases like typhoid fever, heart disease, gastric ulcers and pneumonia. On the ground floor was Flinders and above it was Light Ward. Wards at the Adelaide […]
When the first white settlers arrived in Australia, in their possession was the humble bedpan. Potteries soon began to be established and amongst the first items made were bedpans. Throughout nursing and medical history, the bedpan has played its part. The bedpan was there when Florey was experimenting with penicillin (he used it as a […]
Unrest amongst the Royal Adelaide Hospital domestic staff had been building for a least two years, culminating in a strike that caused major disruption to the hospital. Before World War II, job opportunities for women were limited, with working-class women being employed in such roles as cleaners, laundresses and domestics, both privately and in large […]
“those who refuse to give up coupons, will not be allowed to have tea!” Royal Adelaide Board Minutes, 22 July 1942 It was common during the Second World War, for there to be shortages and restrictions on certain household items and foodstuffs. Tea, which was an imported good, was particularly disrupted, due to ships and […]