Pauline Burge is a great colleague and team member nominated for a Values in Action Award.    

Community Based Rehabilitation Team (CBRT) Team Leader Donna Ryan said Pauline leads by example in all aspects of her work. She supports the speech pathology discipline and site team within CBRT to deliver excellent client centred care.  

“Nothing is too much trouble for Pauline which has been evident in her stepping up to the Team Leader role (as well as her clinical role) at very short notice recently while I went on secondment,” she said. 

“She is always looking for innovative ways to improve the team culture as she correctly states: ‘some days I spend more time with my colleagues than I do my loved ones!’”   

Pauline, in conjunction with the team leader, developed a welcome pack for all new staff to CBRT.   

“This gift pack they receive on their first day in the service with practical items such as a lanyard, USB, hand sanitiser, pen as well as fun inclusions of lollies and stress ball and a welcome letter,” Donna said.  

“The feedback from new staff is that it provides such a warm and friendly introduction and instantly makes you feel part of the team!” 

Pauline is always looking for ways to improve her skills and support those around her.  Pauline actively leads change in the team through quality improvement and by “having a go” herself.   

She has led the way for technology enhancing rehabilitation and telehealth rehabilitation prior to COVID and presented at Allied Health Grand Rounds this year on her implementation of this within the team.  

Pauline actively encourages a culture of partnership to enhance client care – particularly with community groups.   

She remains an active member of both the Aphasia Support Group and Stroke Support Group and works monthly with these volunteer operated groups to ensure that new members are able to access the groups easily and to ensure their sustainability into the future.   

Donna said Pauline was a fantastic member of the CBRT and COH speech pathology team and we are proud to be able to work alongside her as our colleague.