Little changed with the RAH uniforms in hem and sleeve lengths until the mid 1950s. The late Irene Kennedy, matron from 1966-1973 suggested the lack of change was due to limited financial resources. The trained nurses changed their “fawns” for a white uniform in the 1970s and the starched collars, cuffs, and aprons were gradually phased out. The material used was Koroton, a synthetic fibre imported from interstate. The material was cut and sewn locally and in order to provide water resistance the finished uniforms were “baked” in a heated oven before distribution. As the usual means of identifying seniority disappeared with the cap, the RAH introduced a system of coloured buttons for registered nurses to assist in the identification of seniority.