| The Royal Melbourne Hospital has honoured the remarkable career and contribution of nursing leader Jane Bell, with a fascinating exhibition in its Historical Room.
Jane Bell was the fourth Nightingale-trained Lady Superintendent of The Melbourne Hospital (later The Royal Melbourne). She held this position from 1910 to 1934, during which time she had a major impact on both The Melbourne Hospital and nursing within Australia.
Miss Bell was a visionary and pushed for educational opportunities for nurses within their own country. Changes to nursing education were implemented by Miss Bell with the introduction of the position of Sister Tutor. This made way for many firsts in nursing education.
The centrepiece of the exhibition is the silver tea service that was presented to Jane Bell upon her retirement, after more than 24 years at the helm. The silver tea service was presented to The Royal Melbourne Hospital in late 2011 by her grand nephew. Also included in the exhibition are the Lady Superintendent's uniform, Jane Bell’s hat box which was used during her Army Service, Jane Bell’s OBE, and the writing set and teacup and saucer that were handed down by four successive Lady Superintendents.
The Jane Bell exhibition is open weekdays until June 2012
Historical Room, ground floor, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Grattan Street, Parkville
Enquiries: Stephanie Faulkner, Acting RMH Archivist, 8387 2646 or stephanie.faulkner@mh.org.au |
