Item HT 22840 Pneumonia Jacket - Infant, White Muslin, circa 1930

Summary

Infant's pneumonia jacket made from white muslin, circa 1930. The jacket was used at Fairfield Infectious Diseases Hospital, Victoria, Australia, to help keep infants warm in the treatment of pneumonia prior to the introduction of antibiotics.

Fairfield Infectious Diseases Hospital began life in 1904 as a fever hospital. It treated Victorian patients for typhoid, diphtheria, cholera, small pox and the epidemics of polio and scarlet fever. It later became one of the world's foremost centres for the research and treatment of infectious diseases, especially HIV/AIDS. It was closed in 1996 amid controversy and protest.

Physical Description

White padded muslin jacket with sleeves. Three cotton tape ties on front opening.

Significance

Jacket made to help keep infants warm in the treatment of pneumonia prior to the introduction of antibiotics. Used at Fairfield Infectious Diseases Hospital Victoria, Australia.