VPRS 16807 General Correspondence Files

Full description

According to the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) Archives Department the files within this series represent the only general correspondence files for the Royal Children's Hospital known to be extant for the period 1896-1984. They represent a sample/example only of the correspondence and business of the RCH.

While the provenance of the files is mixed, the majority of the files were most likely maintained by the three RCH Managers: William ('Dick') C. Feint, 1954-1970; E. Gordon Chislett 1967-1968; and Murray C. Clarke 1971-1981. Another possible partial provenance is that of the Medical Director, Dr. L.E.G. Sloan (a card attached to a file had a note to a secretary which was signed 'S').

Most of the correspondence is inward with some outward replies. Correspondence is arranged in manila folders. Folders are arranged alphabetically. Nothing is known about the original filing system in the Manager's office, but there are reference numbers at the top of outward correspondence and a 'date received' stamp is evident on many inwards papers. The original filing system has been disturbed.

The Accessions Register maintained by the RCH Archives Department records that the original files were previously culled by volunteer historical room attendants and artificially arranged by subject. It is not known what criteria were used for retaining material.

Prior to transfer to Public Record Office Victoria, the records in this series were maintained as part of the RCH Archives. They were part of RCH accession number 2006/008.