Enrolled Nurse Barbara Plews is a piece of Mackay Hospital and Health Service gold, celebrating more than 50 years caring for people.
Barb’s long service and caring nature was celebrated on International Nurses Day at Mackay Base Hospital where she was awarded the annual McFadzen Award.
Her career at Mackay Base started in 1962 and took her to rural areas including Sarina, Clermont and Dysart before coming back to Mackay Base where she now works in the Surgical Ward.
“I always wanted to be nurse and to help people. You get a satisfying feeling when you see someone get better, see a smile on their face and knowing you’ve done a good job,” she said.
Barb’s advice to young nurses is to be passionate about their career and be compassionate and understanding.
“Remember everyone is different and we are all human. Patients are in your care and our job is to look after them,” she said.
Acting Clinical Nurse Suja Jose won the Nurse Specialty Award and is described by her peers as having a caring nature.
“l love my ward, my ward is like my second home. I love my patients and my colleagues. I usually work as a team leader and I try to look after everyone and show them a lot of respect,” she said.
Suja has worked as a nurse in India, Ireland, Saudi Arabia and in Mackay for the past four years.
Executive Director of Nursing Julie Rampton paid tribute to almost1200 nurses who work in our health service.
“Nurses work in multiple roles across the health system whether its hospital or community, from birth to death, supporting patients, families and carers.
“Today is a thank you to nurse who work 24/7 in the health system. We’re the largest workforce in the system and I think the strength of the health system,” she said.
More Information
Danielle Jesser, Media and Communications Manager
mhhs-comms@health.qld.gov.au
Phone 0417 756 221
