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 The History of T.O.R.N. Incorporated In 1973, Sr. Monica Stone (Toby) from St. Vincent’s Hospital, Launceston, Tasmania, realized the need for a statewide forum where Operating Room Nurses could meet and share ideas. Sixteen people attended the inaugural meeting including Sr. Stone, Cheryl Robinson and Pam Tait, who then became the founding members of T.O.R.N.
Office Bearers were selected and each region represented. The first seminar was held in the Pathology building at the old Launceston General Hospital. The Medial Trade was invited and each exhibitor used a patient trolley as their stand situated along the corridor. The nurses attending the seminar thought it was a fantastic and a great success. Fundraising was a major aim in the early years and enabled an official delegation to be sent to Sydney to set up a National body of Operating Room Nurses.
In 1977, the Members of T.O.R.N. saw this vision become a reality, with the first National Conference of Operating room Nurses being held. At this conference, it was decided to form an Australian Confederation of Operating Room Nurses, and in 1978, the inaugural meeting of A.C.O.R.N. was held, with each of the six Australian States as members of this national body. Two representatives from each State made up the National Council with an Executive being elected from the host State for the triennial National Conference. Each year T.O.R.N. held an annual State Seminar and Trade Exhibition, incorporating an education program for it’s members, based on identified needs of the members. The strength of the group was invested in its’ members. Meetings were held five times a year and during the 1970’s, were held at Ross or Campbell Town, to reduce traveling.
A prime objective, during the 1970’s, was to work with the Australian Nursing Federation to improve work and award conditions for Operating Room Nurses, many of those conditions are now included in the award. They include; staffing levels, meal break, call back and call allowances. Throughout the 1980’s, T.O.R.N. contributed to A.C.O.R.N. by helping formulate The Standards, Guidelines and Recommended Practices for Operating Room Nurses—developed to assist Perioperative nurses deliver a high standard of patient care.
In the 1990’s, Tasmania hosted the National Executive and Triennial Conference. T.O.R.N. had it’s first National President—Pat Eizele. The conference was a great success, everyone congratulating Tasmania on an excellent conference.
Financial assistance is available to attend State, National and International conferences, and members are encouraged to take advantage of this assistance. Members have traveled worldwide in their pursuit of knowledge and act as ambassadors for Tasmania and T.O.R.N.
T.O.R.N. disaffiliated from A.N.F. in 2000 and became a incorporated body. This decision was made to encourage membership regardless of union affiliation.
In 2002, T.O.R.N. Inc. was proud that another members, James Harrison, was elected as A.C.O.R.N. National President.
Over the last 30 years, the vision of Sr. Monica has continued, she died in 1990 leaving a legacy for Operating Room Nurses, not only in this State but for the whole of Australia. The sole surviving founding member—Pam Tait retired in 2002. T.O.R.N Inc. can now look forward to meet the challenges of the new millenium , to continue to grow and develop as an organisation representing Perioperative Nurses.
(Cheryl Robinson and Pam Tait contributed to the recounting of the history of T.O.R.N. Inc.)
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