Still Stainless

Don’t be deceived – these sparkling clean stainless steel vessels have a far from pristine history. Originally from Narrabri District Hospital, this bedpan was used by patients to urinate and defecate, while the basin could assist with any necessary washing. Made from Paramount stainless steel, they would have been used, cleaned, and then used again. […]

Read More…

Mane Medicine

Don’t worry, they’ve been sterilised!   Far from the synthetic stitch we know and love today, horsehair was once the star of modern surgeries. To reach the operating table, where they were used as sutures, this horsehair underwent a rigorous process to ensure they were suitable for use.  After being precisely collected, measured, and cut, it […]

Read More…

Echoes of Care

The rhythmic tap of heels on lino floors, the soft beeps of monitors, and the murmur of hushed voices – the Glen Innes hospital has been a place of care for more than 130 years. First established in 1887 after petitioning from the local community, the hospital has continued to grow from its humble beginnings […]

Read More…

Under the Skin

Exposed organs, popping eyeballs, and the lumpy, snaking texture of a brain might not be a sight you’d like to start the day with. However, for those in the medical profession, understanding what goes on under the skin is often essential to providing proper health care. Historically, doctors often used cadavers to provide insights into […]

Read More…

Pillar of Trust

In Australia, particularly in regional or isolated communities, pharmacists were some of the most trusted and respected people as they applied their knowledge to keep their community healthy. Pharmacy in Australia was largely based on practices that had been established in England, where pharmacies were separate from doctors and held sole dispensing rights for prescribed […]

Read More…

A Charitable Contraption

While this metal contraption might look a little scary, it provided life-saving support for hundreds of newborn babies who struggled to take their first breaths. Dr William K. McIntyre (1881-1969), was a gynaecologist and obstetrician who practised in Launceston, Tasmania, on Kanamaluka county. McIntyre grew frustrated with the lack of options when it came to […]

Read More…