Cover image for Hobart District Nursing Service
Agency:
Hobart District Nursing Service
Agency Number:
Start Date:
14 Dec 1896
Description:
On 14th December 1896, the wife of the Governor of Tasmania, Lady Gormanston, convened a public meeting at the Town Hall, Hobart, to consider the question of a district nurse for Hobart. The Hobart District Nurses' Association was formed at this meeting, growing out of the Amateur Nursing Band of the Young Women formed in 1892 by the wife of the Governor. ;;For the period 1954 - 1966 the organisation became Hobart District Nursing Association. The Nursing service commenced with one trained sister doing her rounds on foot or by tram. By 1960 there were two full time qualified sisters who covered the Hobart Municipality and Glenorchy as far as Chigwell. Their nursing service was free and the sisters provided nursing care, family support and health education. Auxiliary members, meanwhile, were active with fund raising for the service, which resulted in the employment of more sisters and an expansion of services into Bellerive and Lindisfarne.;;In 1966 the name changed again to Hobart District Nursing Service. Patients were now charged a small fee for the provision of health care.;;In 1976 the Commonwealth and State Government took over funding for the Hobart District Nursing Service. Despite this funding, however, the service itself remained autonomous and was administered by a Council of 12 and one member from each auxiliary. An Executive of 8 also met to determine policies and to oversee financial arrangements.;;In April 1987 the service became an Incorporated body. ;;;;
Information Sources:
The District Nurses website; The Mercury (Hobart, Tas), 15 December 1896.;;A History of District Nursing incorporating History of the Hobart District Nursing Service Inc.
Functions Performed:
Community health and welfare