#WeAreNorthern
Meet Tracey Wyllie, Director of Operations – Division of Surgery, Northern Health.
Q: What’s your go-to coffee order or drink during a busy shift?
A: Medium skinny cappuccino, just one a day and then a heap of water.
Q: For those who may not know, how would you describe your role at Northern Health and the work your team does?
A: The Division of Surgery is Northern Health’s cutting-edge Division – literally! We prepare, treat and care for people who required planned or emergency surgery, from the beginning to the end and everything in between. My role is to ensure the process is smooth and the staff, patients and families feel supported.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your career journey and what led you to your current role?
A: My role started in aged care. One afternoon I decided to send my CV off to a range of hospitals and I received an interview for a theatre position, no experience necessary. I never wanted to work in theatre, in fact, I really, really, really disliked my placement as a student. Then boom, I smashed my interview and was offered the job. I started at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear with no experience and left 13 years later as the NUM. Fifteen years ago, I commenced in the same role at Northern Health, Broadmeadows Surgical Centre and progressed into my current position. There are so many types of nursing you can do, if you feel like trying something different then go for it! My journey is an example of “there is nursing for everyone, you just need to find your fit”.
Q: What does a typical day in your role look like, and what are some of the things people might not realise happen behind the scenes?
A: At 7:30ish, I start checking my phone for any overnight or urgent messages, then onto the computer to check emails for the same. The first two things I do is check the bed portal and the theatre emergency board. These two dashboards usually determine how my day will start. Then its meetings, rounding with teams, phone calls, emails and following up on KPI’s and performance targets. Lots of quick thinking, decision making and reassuring. My days are always different and that’s what drives my passion and love for the job. It’s demanding, yes, but it’s also exhilarating. It’s meaningful in a way that sticks with you long after the day ends.
Q: Northern Health’s values are Safe, Kind, together. How do you see these values come to life in your role or team?
A: I love the teamwork – that unspoken desire that forms when people who care fiercely about their craft come together to solve problems that genuinely matter. I love the pace, the focus, the feeling that what you do in a moment can change the entire trajectory of someone’s life. And honestly, I love the privilege of it, being trusted to make decisions in the most vulnerable time of someone’s journey, knowing that our skills and compassion can bring comfort, safety, and hope when people need it most.
Q: Outside of work, what is something your colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?
A: In 2000, I carried the Olympic Torch in the Sydney 2000 Torch Relay. I received the honour for my service to the community and my athletic achievements. In fact, I still hold the 200-metre record under 12’s – 26.8 seconds. I also own trotters (Harness racing horses). One is a 6 times Group 1 Champion, and each time she wins a Group 1, I take the trophy home and fall asleep with it beside me. All their names start with “Rockinwith”.