December 15, 2020Northern Health’s Length of Service Awards ceremony was held virtually this morning, celebrating staff who have been with us from 10 – 45 years.
Siva Sivarajah, Chief Executive, opened the ceremony, saying our Service Awards look a little different, as have many of our other activities this year.
“What a year this has been – the year that the world faced its biggest public health challenge in 100 years. COVID-19 has changed the way we work, the way we interact and the way we provide care. And through the challenges and triumphs, it is more important now than ever before to thank our hard working and dedicated staff who are working on the front line each and every day, saving lives and keeping our community safe and healthy,” he said.
Northern Health has over 5,400 staff working across Northern Hospital, Broadmeadows Hospital, Bundoora Centre and Craigieburn Centre, with many providing dedicated service since the days of PANCH.
“From humble beginnings in 1958, it is great to see the way our health service continues to grow, with stage two of our Northern Hospital expansion to be completed in March next year, and planning for two community hospitals, plus additional mental health services. Today, we celebrate the staff who have worked for Northern Health for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and even 45 years, an incredible achievement,” he said.
Three of the recipients, Gillian Walters, Swee Khor and Elizabeth Wills, have been with us the longest – and received awards for 40 and 45 years of service.
Gillian Walters has been working at Northern Health for 40 years. She commenced working in the Victorian Plastic Surgery Unit at PANCH on 3 March 1980, after completing her enrolled nurse training in 1979. In 1987, she commenced working in a split role as Enrolled Nurse and Clerical in Wound Clinic at PANCH, and, to this day, Gillian still works in Wound Clinic here at Epping, as well as providing clerical support to Specialist Clinics.
“Gillian provides great value to both roles, and has been a dedicated member of Specialist Clinics now for 40 years,” said Cathy Fletcher, her manager.
Swee Khor received the award for 45 years of service. Swee is a theatre nurse who also started in PANCH and after all this time, Northern Health has become a second home to her.
“I have enjoyed working with all my colleagues – they are all so professional in their work. I enjoy the dynamic of the theatre and every day is different,” she said.
“Congratulations on your 45th year of service at Northern Health. You have worked hard for this, and we truly appreciate your dedication,” said Ajimon Joy, her manager.
Elizabeth Wills also received the award for 45 years of service.
Her manager, Frances Brockhus, said, “Elizabeth has given 45 years of great service to Northern Health in many leadership roles. Her work has been to advocate tirelessly for the best outcome for every patient. She works with respect and consideration of how she can impact every staff member through every interaction. Elizabeth has built a career that has allowed her to combine both work and family commitments wholeheartedly, and remains a valued member of the access team through her work over many nights, over many years.”
Sue Lisle, Communications Supervisor, had this to say, “The virtual ceremony for the service awards was fantastic. The ceremony brought tears to our eyes. It was so pleasing to see many of our deserving staff receive their awards.”
