Early Days of Nursing
Staff in 1992 dressed in uniforms through the ages.
When Ipswich Hospital opened in 1860 professional nursing was in its infancy.
Staff included three honorary medical officers, Matron, wardsman with his wife working as a cook, assistant wardsman, laundress, a nurse for female patients and a dispenser. Male patients were cared for by the wardsman. The dispenser would assess patients arriving at the hospital, call a doctor if required and oversee patient care in the absence of the doctor.
Dr Phillip Thornton, the first Medical Superintendent, was appointed in 1870.
The duties of the first matron, Miss Ellen Raymond, were largely housekeeping and nurses had no training.
In 1863 Matron Raymond was paid £50 and the nurse £25. By 1866 the matron’s salary had increased to £60 and there were three female nurses each paid £30 plus quarters and rations. A night nurse joined the staff in 1876. In the 1860s the wages at Ipswich Hospital were considerably higher than at Brisbane Hospital and Ipswich staff turn-over much lower. Prior to 1891 a matron was paid £80 but a housekeeper could be paid £50. So in 1892 the position of matron was controversially abolished, largely as a cost-saving measure in the 1890’s Depression. The position of matron was reinstated at the hospital in 1904.
Nurses at Ipswich Hospital still had no formal training and wore their own clothes but this was changing with the increasing professionalism of nursing.
Uniforms
Uniforms were first provided in 1889. They were blue with a white apron – white symbolising hygiene and cleanliness and blue for purity. They were based on English versions, similar to domestic servants’ clothing of long-sleeved full-length dress with apron, mob cap and cuffs. There was no distinction in rank
In 1892 caps were introduced. These were usually cotton or linen, heavily starched. Practically they kept hair away from the face so it did not obstruct the nurse’s view or spread germs. They were also used to identify the nurse with a hospital or to signify rank.
