How long have you worked for Vanguard Health?
I began as a Scrub Nurse with the Vanguard Health Indigenous Remote Eye Service (IRIS) Program at Katherine District Hospital in 2019. I took on the role of Ophthalmology Program Manager in 2023.
Where has your role with Vanguard Health taken you?
In the Northern Territory I work in Darwin, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, and Alice Springs. In the Torres and Cape Peninsula in Far North Queensland I work at Weipa Hospital.
What is your most memorable experience working with Vanguard Health?
One of our patients phoned us after surgery. She was so happy she was in tears. She told us that she could see all the animals near her dam. She said it was so beautiful. She told us that she was standing in the kitchen, and she could see all the dust in her house. She had never been so happy to see dust.
What is your highlight of your time as a Vanguard Health Ophthalmic Program Manager?
My highlight was definitely winning the Northern Territory Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Award for the category of Aboriginal Health. It was an incredible night and gave me the opportunity to speak with other health professionals who are passionate about improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
What are some of the challenges you face in your role?
The weather in the tropics is always a challenge. Extreme heat, humidity, fires, floods, and cyclones are part of the natural cycle of life up here. When cyclone Megan hit Borroloola in March 2024, I was so worried about many of our patients from that community. Thankfully, everyone was safe.
What other roles are you involved with?
I am the Northern Territory representative for the Australian Ophthalmic Nurses Association, I sit on the NT Health LGBTQIASB+ Working Group and I travel to Cambodia once a year to assist Cambodia Vision deliver cataract surgery in regional provinces.
What is it like working for Vanguard Health?
Vanguard Health is a family. We all share and celebrate in each other achievements. It is a wonderful team to be a part of.
