Our history of pioneering health care at home

Our founders

In 1894, Dr Allan Campbell, Edith Noble (who learnt from Florence Nightingale) and Reverend B.C. Stephenson established the District Trained Nursing Society (now known as RDNS Silverchain) to provide nursing care for vulnerable people in South Australia. Starting with one district nurse, the service grew quickly within six months to five nurses, and by 1895 the first nursing branch in Gawler opened.

In the early 1900s, two compassionate women also started a district nursing service to care for sick and vulnerable children in Western Australia, as there was no children’s hospital. At the time, WA had the highest infant mortality rate in the country. In 1905, through the Western Mail, Muriel Chase invited children to join a special league of Silver Links for a small fee to help vulnerable children and as a result the Silver Chain League was created. To provide the care needed, the first nurse, Sister S.L. Copley was hired in 1907. 

Muriel Chase’s regular appeals for funds in her newspaper columns as Aunt Mary are responsible for the early beginnings of community nursing in Western Australia. Her contribution also forms the origin of the name Silverchain that our national organisation shares today.   

The evolution of Silverchain’s care and innovation

From our humble beginnings, Silverchain has provided 130 years of care, connection and innovation. Learn more about the evolution of our organisation here.