by admin | Nov 29, 2014 | General Collection, Paediatric
The decade from 1929-1939 was one of great hardship for many Australians. It was in this challenging environment in 1930 that the decision was made to raise funds for a much-needed new children’s ward at the Ipswich Hospital – by children. In the days before social media, Queensland Times journalist Fred Ware, known to his many young readers as Uncle William, played a pivotal role in unifying and motivating the community behind this cause. The fundraising achievements of the whole community, but especially the children, in these tough depression years, were nothing short of astonishing. As far back as 1919 Uncle William had extolled the virtues of hard work in his Children’s Corner column to approximately 100 “nieces and nephews”. His young readers became members of the Sunshine League which raised funds over the years for much needed items for the Ipswich Hospital. A decade later when the need arose for a new children’s ward, Uncle William encouraged League members to take on this herculean task: “… we have only to think of how it will help a sick child to get better in a fine new building erected by the loving labour of other children, his pals, to know something of the significance and influence that our new Sunshine Ward will shed on our little friends who go there to regain their health.” From the beginning, community support for the new children’s ward was very strong. Those unable to donate in cash did so in kind (for example “a quarter of a mile of eggs” was donated in 1933). In 1931 and 1932 the Sunshine League presented cheques...
by admin | Jul 14, 2013 | General Collection, Matron AE Wilcox, Staff - nursing
Cleaning and dusting were part of the nurses’ daily chores in her care of her young charges. All cots and 4 posters were to be in alignment in the ward. Nets folded neatly and uniformly. Lockers cleared of ‘kid’s stuff’ and remembering hospitalisation was lengthy and kids notoriously like collecting ‘junk’!!! Quilts and sheets were mitred and the children all quietly in bed. Matron Wilcox would be accompanied by the Charge Nurse and the student nurse rostered to Peters Ward or Babies Ward. The Matron being of short stature would stand on a chair and run her fingers along the privacy screen track in search of dust particles!!!! There was many a mischievous long term patient who would delight seeing ‘their nurse’ the target of the Matron’s wrath!!! – Steph Shannon recalling student nurse days 1950s Matron A E...
by admin | Jul 6, 2013 | General Collection
In years gone by, eggs and oranges were a typical gift brought for relatives and friends in hospital. After visiting hours were over, nursing staff gathered up all the eggs and oranges. The next day, nursing staff would squeeze the oranges and cook the eggs for the patients in the...
by admin | Jul 6, 2013 | General Collection
Glass syringes and stainless steel needles were the standard supply. Nursing staff were responsible for the maintenance, cleaning and sterilizing of the se items. As the needles were re-usable, prior to cleaning and sterilising, thin guide wires would have to be introduced through the needle to ensure patency. The needles were also checked to ensure that there were no ‘snags’ and nurses would test for this using a piece of gauze. If a nurse dropped and broke a glass syringe, they were responsible for paying for the replacement...
by admin | Jun 29, 2013 | General Collection, Paediatric, Uniforms
Nurse Goody Two-Shoes was mascot of the David Trumpy Paediatric Unit from 1979 to the late 2000s. Her uniform is a replica of that worn by nurses at Ipswich Hospital from the late 1960s through to the 1990s. She was loved by the many children who passed through the ward and their families. However, she was the brunt of many a caustic comment from tired and hard-worked paediatric nurses at the end of their day as her appearance remains cool, uncrushed and with determination in her...
