Ekka Champion Gordon owes a lot to RBWH nurse navigator Suzie. He showed his thanks through his art.

Through years of health struggles, 98-year-old Gordon Hooper has always been able to fall back on his love of painting for joy and diversion during the tough times.

A celebrated local artist, Gordon has now won the Ekka Portrait Champion award five times in total after taking out this year’s prize once again.

Among his other artistic achievements is a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II he painted which is now displayed in Buckingham Palace.

One piece of art he made this year that was particularly special for RBWH nurse navigator Suzie Thistlethwaite.

In July, Gordon gifted Suzie a beautiful portrait of herself on her birthday as a way of saying thank you for the years of care she has provided him and his family.

“I don’t know what we would do without Suzie,” Gordon said.

“Sometimes I get overwhelmed and don’t know what to do. She always helps and makes sure we get the care we need.”

A decade ago, Gordon suffered severe injuries when he was hit by a car while leaving a movie theatre. He spent six weeks in rehab at RBWH, which is when he first met Suzie. She got to know him and his three younger siblings well and kept in touch with the family.

Suzie has since become a nurse navigator, where she has cared for Gordon during his treatments over recent years.

Nurse and midwife navigators are senior advanced-practice registered nurses who provide a vital service for patients who have complex health conditions and require a high degree of comprehensive, clinical care. Navigators are highly experienced and have an in-depth understanding of the health system.

Navigators support and work across system boundaries and in close partnership with multiple health specialists and health service stakeholders to ensure patients receive the appropriate and timely care needed.

Suzie is a Nurse Navigator Cognitive Advocate who works at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital as part of the Frail Older Person Service which supports our most vulnerable and complex older patients.

“I have navigated Gordon over the past few years more intensively as he has needed significant care and treatment at the RBWH,” she said.

“As nurse navigator I have been able to support Gordon with his own health care needs, link him in with community services and GP. Nurse Navigation is a holistic service that spans the continuum of care, I have also supported Gordon’s three siblings as they have at times required care and support themselves.”

Gordon’s gift to Suzie is a reflection on the important role she has played in his life over the last decade and demonstrates the hugely positive impact nurse navigators can have on patients’ healthcare journeys.