St George community paint the town red & white for the hospital’s 125-year celebrations

St George Hospital staff and volunteers, as well as members of the community, took part in a historical open day on Monday 11 November, 2019 with Mark Coure MP, Member for Oatley, to commemorate the 125th anniversary of caring in Kogarah.
 
As part of the celebrations, guests were invited to take a sneak-peek preview of the new Birth Unit. More than 100 people registered to view the state-of-the-art facility, which will become operational in early 2020.
 
The final preview of the day was led by Tobi Wilson, Chief Executive, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) and Leisa Rathborne, General Manager, St George Hospital. With the help of the maternity team, they showcased the recent works to Mark Coure and Michael Still, Board Chair, SESLHD.
 
Official festivities were held in the atrium of the Acute Services Building and included speeches, a ceremony to cut a cake designed to replicate the St George Hospital Acute Services Building, Emergency Department and Tower Ward Block and the launch of a digital photographic historic timeline.
 
Mr Coure praised the contributions of St George Hospital staff and volunteers for supporting the ongoing health and wellbeing of the community.

“The St George’s Cottage Hospital officially opened with eight beds on 16 November 1894.
 
“From those beginnings, the hospital has benefited from strong community support – it is now the largest hospital in the district with 671 beds, and a world-leading trauma centre.
 
“Myself and the Hon Brad Hazzard MP, Minister for Health and Medical Research, wish the St George Hospital staff and volunteers well on this milestone anniversary, and for many more years of care,” Mr Coure said.
 
Staff collaborated to perform a parade of uniforms through the ages, grouped into different eras or decades and officiated by Lauren Sturgess, Deputy Director of Nursing, St George Hospital.
 
Ms Rathborne announced the winners of the red and white decorating competition, where wards/departments had the opportunity to adorn their work space with the hospital’s colours for the month of November.
 
“Last week myself along with Heidi Boss, Director of Medical Services and Vicki Manning, Director of Nursing, visited 25 areas across the campus to choose two outstanding winners,” Ms Rathborne said.
 
“The judging process was very inspiring – what was most evident was the amazing teamwork from all who took part, and the passion our staff have for St George Hospital.
 
“6B Respiratory – where there were detailed decorations and staff who dressed up to re-enact a historical PACE [Patient with Acute Condition for Escalation] call, 7 South Aged Care – which had a display complete with narration, the Intensive Care Unit and Perioperative services – took home the accolades.
 
“Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to all staff who participated,” Ms Rathborne said.