A commitment to care

Sally Joustra started at the hospital in 1984. 189541_05

By Kyra Gillespie

Two employees at St John of God Health Care’s south-east Melbourne hospitals have been with the organisation for just under a third of the organisation’s lifespan, reflecting the long-serving and committed employee base.

St John of God Berwick Hospital Coordinator Sally Joustra and St John of God Pinelodge Clinic Food Service Assistant Caroline Davis have worked at the hospitals for 35 years and 33 respectively.

Sally and Caroline are among a group of 300 caregivers who have worked for St John of God Health Care for more than 30 years.

Sally Joustra started at the hospital in 1984.

“My mother Beryl Wilson nursed at Berwick Bush Nursing Hospital in the 1950’s. At this time Berwick was a small country town, the hospital was a seven-bed cottage facility caring for patients from the surrounding rural area. Mum inspired me to enter into nursing. I began at the hospital in 1984 when it was a 24 bed

facility,” Sally said.

“I love working at St John of God because it really cares for their patients and their family, their caregivers and the wider community. The diversity of care able to be provided is amazing and always improving.”

Both hospitals are key pillars in the community, with St John of God Berwick Hospital’s legacy dating back to 1910 while St John of God Pinelodge Clinic has offered key mental health services to the community for decades.

Caroline echoes the sentiment, “I enjoy the interaction with our patients. To have the opportunity to be part of the patient’s journey and recovery is a privilege,” she said.

“I love being part of the catering team, and take pride in providing meals that add to the holistic care of our patients.

“When l first started we served approximately 30 meals at lunch time and we now serve over 60. My children have grown up with me always being part of Pinelodge. I have seen lots of changes over the 30 years but continue to love coming to work for every shift.”

St John of God South East Sub Acute Hospitals Chief Executive Officer Steven Schultze said the hospitals’ people were central to providing the best that modern mental health care could offer by putting the person at the centre of their care.

“Each and every caregiver makes a difference to the lives of the people we serve through their work,” he said.

“Our caregivers, particularly those on the frontline are integral to our organisation by providing the best possible experience and care for patients and clients, to address their needs and foster a reason to hope.”

St John of God Berwick Hospital Chief Executive Officer Lisa Norman said the new hospital, which opened in early 2018, had a relatively young workforce as a result of the expanded care and services enabled by the new facility.

“When we were preparing to open the new hospital we undertook a big recruitment drive to employ over 200 new caregivers,” she said.

“We are grateful that our new caregivers, along with our long-serving caregivers, are able to provide exceptional care to this community including in new areas such as intensive care, cardiac care and rehabilitation.

“St John of God Health Care is growing the services provided to this region and we thank all of our caregivers for being at the forefront of providing compassionate care for all people, whether they are just starting their careers or have been with us for many decades.”