As the year draws to an end, the volunteers and staff at the CALHN Health Museum conclude yet another productive and busy chapter. In 2025, the museum welcomed 5 new volunteers: Oliver, Karen, Yasamin, Edith and Billy. And welcomed back two, Chris and Delia. The year began on a slightly sombre note with the passing […]
Nurses’ badges have changed dramatically over the years—evolving from ornate gold-and-enamel pins to the simple plastic identification cards used today. It was common place to see nurses in hospitals wearing brass and enamel badges, not something you see much in modern hospitals today. Badges were used to fasten stiffly starched detachable collars to their uniforms, […]
Volunteers play an integral part in our community be it as part of a community group or fundraising for the local sporting club. May recognises the amazing work and contributions that volunteers provide to the community. At the CALHN Health Museum we are celebrating our volunteers for their amazing work. May 19th– 23rd was National […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
February 21st 2025 marks 60 years since the first kidney transplant was performed in Australia. This achievement is made all the more significant by the fact that it took place at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH) in Woodville. The recipient was Pasquale (Peter) Tirmacco, a 33 year old husband and father of three, who was […]
This year marks half a decade since the first notified case of Covid-19 in Australia. The first confirmed case was announced on January 25th 2020. From then, case numbers surged leading to lockdowns in Australia and worldwide. Here in Adelaide, the first case was announced on February 2nd 2020. It was in March when things […]
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 […]
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 […]
Take a look at how the CALHN Health Museum celebrates Christmas The Christmas festivities at the Health Museum this year began with the installation of our submission for the annual CALHN-wide Christmas decoration competition. It was all hands on deck with both volunteers and staff part of the planning and installation process. Unfortunately, we missed […]
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 […]
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 […]
Doctor’s bags have been used for centuries to transport medical equipment, medicine, and supplies on home visits and across hospital wards alike. Used primarily by physicians, but also by nurses and other professional medical staff, they were traditionally made of leather with a top handle opening into two sections, like the Gladstone bag. Cases, as […]
On recent reorganisation of the museum collection, many interesting items have been rediscovered. One such item is the humble laundry trolley – essential equipment for the necessary hospital laundry service. The hospital laundry, otherwise known as the Washhouse, was responsible for the collection, cleaning, and disinfection of dirty linens, as well as the replacement of […]