Jane Hancock, Acting Chief Executive
Today we commemorate Anzac Day and remember those who served our country and acknowledge those who still serve.
Metro North has long links to Australia’s defence services, particularly RBWH and Brighton Health Campus. Christense Sorensen and Agnes Isambert are two nurses from RBWH who served in the Australian Army Nursing Service and made the trip to work in the 1st Australian General Hospital, the 2nd Australian General Hospital, amongst others. Metro North also partners with the ADF for training opportunities or shared activities. There are many veterans and current service people across our organisation including in our trauma and surgical services.
Each of these people over the years bring unique skills and experiences to their work in Metro North, whether it’s as clinicians or other valuable roles, such as RBWH intensive care specialist Commodore Anthony Holley, former RBWH colorectal surgeon Colonel Russell Stitz who sadly passed away last year, and trauma surgeon and teacher Associate Professor Cliff Pollard AM, one of the founders of the Jamieson Trauma Institute. RBWH hyperbaric chamber supervisor Bob Campbell was a naval clearance diver and Metro North’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Liz Rushbrook was a senior naval Medical Officer and currently holds the rank of Commodore in the Royal Australian Navy Reserves.
The values our organisation holds dear have a lot in common with the spirit of the Anzacs – the commitment to service to the community, teamwork, demonstrating integrity, working together and supporting each other to overcome challenges, and respecting and drawing on each other’s strengths to get the job done and support people in need.
Today we honour the commitment of the Anzacs, those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and those of you who continue to serve. We also recognise the loved ones who support you in that commitment.
I hope today you take a moment to reflect on the spirit of the Anzacs and what this means to you in your work and life. I also pay respect to my colleagues, friends who I met whilst serving in the Regular Army, those who are still serving, who have served and those who died in service of this country.
Lest we forget.
Warm regards,
Jane.