Celebrating decades of dedication
The incredible dedication of our staff was on full display yesterday as we held our first Service Awards ceremony of the year at our Randwick Campus.
The Awards celebrate staff who have provided at least ten years of collective service to NSW Health. Once staff reach their ten-year service milestone, they are eligible for a Service Award every five years.
At yesterday’s ceremony, to a packed auditorium of over 200 people, some staff were marking the first decade of their careers. Others were celebrating several decades in our state’s healthcare system. A special shoutout must go to Carol Parrey (pictured) from Prince of Wales Hospital who is celebrating an incredible 50 years in NSW Health.
“Yesterday’s ceremony was a fantastic opportunity to say thank you to our staff for their years of service to our healthcare system,” says SESLHD Director of People and Culture, Fiona Fahey.
“It’s remarkable to think that some of our clinicians have treated thousands of patients over many years. We have staff who have spent their careers keeping our hospitals running smoothly behind the scenes, security guards who have kept us safe, and those at the front desk who have served as a friendly face and a source of guidance for people arriving at hospital.”
Among yesterday’s Award recipients was Fabian Heaton, a Senior Analyst in the Electronic Medical Record (eMR) support team. Fabian is celebrating thirty years of service to NSW Health.
“My career highlight would be picking up this role within Digital Health because I felt I could make a difference."
“Another highlight would be starting the Heartbreakers Team. We have been running for the past 17 years, we work very closely with the Prince of Wales Foundation, [and] raise funds every year in the City 2 Surf. All money raised goes to patient care equipment and education for the nursing staff. We have raised half a million dollars so far.”
“I love my work, I love my colleagues, and every day I learn something new.”
Patricia Gonzalez, a Secretary and Administration Officer at the Royal Hospital for Women’s Anaesthesia Department, is celebrating an impressive 40 years of service.
“When I started back at Prince Henry Hospital, we were actually using a typewriter then. Since then, technology has advanced enormously. As I recall now, there were huge computers, the really bulky ones that we don’t use anymore!”
“I’ve been there for so long, that everyone comes and asks me questions, and I am so happy to show them around and give them directions.”
“My career highlight is working with really professional people, I have learned a lot from them, and I really appreciate the support that they have given me.”
Throughout the remainder of 2024, Service Awards ceremonies will be taking place at Sydney/Sydney Eye, St George and Sutherland hospitals. You can see the full schedule here.
