Lisa Milne is a piece of Proserpine Hospital history. From being born in the hospital to now working as Nurse Unit Manager, she has dedicated her life to caring for others. Lisa is so passionate about the health of others that when things get challenging, she credits her family, friends and community as the reason why she stays motivated.
The COVID-19 global pandemic is one of the most challenging health issues Lisa has seen in her career, but she says it is no different to any other disaster in how the Proserpine Hospital team has worked together to respond.
“Like all disaster situations, as leaders, we are very good at adapting to our situation and this crisis is no different,” she said.
“It has been a challenging time navigating through all of the uncertainty and fear, but as a team we have developed strategies and made plans to deal with what we are facing.”
One of the ways Lisa and other Proserpine Hospital nursing staff have adapted is by introducing daily scrums within the team. She says communication is paramount.
“COVID-19 has affected all workplaces and mine is no different,” she said.
“We have introduced a Q&A type forum where the nursing staff can ask whatever is on their minds. I have found this has helped alleviate some of the anxiety and fear.”
Personally, COVID-19 has also affected her but Lisa still finds a way to look on the bright side.
“I miss my family. I have a 94-year-old grandmother in lockdown at the nursing home,” she said.
“I also have two school-aged children, one of who is in year 12, which has been difficult. But I am so grateful they understand the need for me to work longer hours.
“As I keep telling them, COVID-19 is a miniscule part of your overall lifetime and it will end. There’s a lot more to look forward to in life.”
Lisa truly loves her Whitsundays community and it definitely shows in her hard work.
“Proserpine Hospital is a part of the community and my children, family and friends all use the services offered here,” she said.
“I want it to be the best health service we can provide. To make this happen we all need to work hard so that we can provide excellence in healthcare without the need to travel great distances.”
