Sutherland’s service legends

The Atrium at The Sutherland Hospital (TSH) was recently packed to the rafters as we celebrated our colleagues for their service milestones. 

In what was the final Service Awards ceremony for the year, staff from TSH and surrounds were recognised for at least ten years of collective service to NSW Health, and every five years onwards. 

The top gong went to Registered Nurse Olga Jandzio (pictured second from left), who first started her career in NSW Health 50 years ago. The audience leapt to their feet as Olga received her Award, giving her a much-deserved standing ovation. 

Congratulations also to General Manager of TSH and the Garrawarra Centre, Vicki Weeden, who is celebrating 40 years of service.  

Throughout the ceremony, we heard from some of the Award recipients in a series of videos. 

Nurse Manager Robin Girle first started in NSW Health an incredible 45 years ago, and has never looked back. 

“To me, a good day is making a difference to someone. [Creating] cultures where staff feel appreciated, valued…and where the patients ultimately receive safe, person-centred, compassionate care.” 

What has been the biggest change in Robin’s career? Without a doubt, she says, it’s technology.  

“The patients that we used to care for 45 years ago used to be in hospital for five days for a procedure. Now, those procedures are day only.” 

“What keeps me here, without a doubt in my mind, is the people.” 

Aunty Marg Broadbent, Manager of Cultural Capabilities in the Aboriginal Health Directorate, first started her career in NSW Health 25 years ago as an Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer at Prince of Wales Hospital. 

“I really love working with my team and the Aboriginal Health Workers. We all make a deadly team...and we’re all here to help our people get better health services so they can live longer.” 

“We’re striving to make things a lot better in the future for our people…we still have a long way to go, and I’m sure we’ll get there in the end.”