RBWH History Series features First World War presentations

Since it opened in 1867, the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (RBWH) has been a hub for medical research and the development of novel treatment methods. As the hospital's 150 year anniversary approaches in 2017, the Royal Alumni is highlighting some of these innovations and the remarkable people behind them in a series of historical presentations, the “RBWH History Series”.

RBWH History Series: Part 1 will be held on Tuesday 15th September, and features a number of topics, including two topics related to Queensland nurses of the First World War:

Sandgate to Salonika: Christense Sorensen - to be presented by Cluny Seager

Comslie to Cairo: Agnes Isambert - to be presented by Jeanette Wiley

When: Tuesday, 15 September 5:30pm -7:30pm

Where: RBWH Education Centre, Butterfield Street Herston, QLD, 4026

Price: $10 entry. Drinks and light snacks provided

Contact: www.rbwhfoundation.com.au

Both nurses enlisted in the Australian Army Nursing Service in November 1914, and were appointed to the 1st Australian General Hospital. They embarked for Egypt on 21 November 1914 aboard the HMAT Kyarra A55, along with a vast medical contingent – the staff and equipment of the 1^stAustralian General Hospital, the 2^nd Australian General Hospital, N°^s 1 & 2 Aust. Stationary Hospitals and N° 1 Australian Casualty Clearing Station.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19992655

State Library holds a couple of books about Sister Sorensen, and you can read more about her in the Australian Dictionary of Biography:

Christense Sorensen : nurse for a million  by D. R. Teague

Christense Sorensen : famous nursing sister by Grace Beecher

You can find out more about Queensland's medical contribution to the First World War by viewing our digital story Queensland doctors and nurses in the First World War. This short film examines the experiences of Queensland doctors and nurses who served in the war, and Professor John Pearn AO, RFD and Dr. Robert Likeman CSM, both distinguished civilian and military doctors, discuss the challenging situations faced by medical service people, from overwhelming numbers of casualties, to extreme conditions and traumatic injuries. They explore the medical advancements which resulted from war, and the lasting emotional and psychological effects of the war on the doctors and nurses who served.

Robyn Hamilton - QANZAC100 Content Curator, State Library of Queensland