The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) celebrated 25 years of serving the Fraser Coast Community last month at the Waterfront Restaurant.
The hugely successful night was organised by ward clerk, Lois and clinical nurse, Daryl. The event celebrated not only a milestone year, but also to regognise what the ICU has achieved in that time, and thank the many dedicated and caring staff involved making the ICU what it is today.
The night included acknowledging the staff serving more than ten years of service. Fiona Christensen who has served 21yrs in ICU, was recognised for her dedication and contribution to her role as a registered nurse. Fiona first started in the ICU when it was located in Maryborough hospital, and it was a sad farewell to her as she relocates to North Queensland to be with her family.
The first NUM of ICU, Marilyn Jensen was a special guest at the event along with Dr Peter Harvey who was the first Clinical Director of ICU.
Fast forward to today and there is much to celebrate; an intensivist-led service, experienced intensive care-trained nurses, backed by specialist equipment, an ICU-trained education team, Donatelife nurse specialist, clinical coaches, and Metavision site coordinators. This multidisciplinary team enables patients to be treated within their community, closer to their families.
Other celebrations included the recent successful transition from paper-based to electronic clinical documentation. We also acknowledged a fundraising event throughout the year where ICU staff took turns to cook a lunch from their cultural background to share with the team. To build on this celebration of multicultural diversity in ICU, some staff members organised a dance performance on the night, highlighting their culture in dance.
NUM Chris Jennings said, “I’m so proud of the ICU achievements and is continually inspired by the whole team in their focus and compassion towards caring for the most vulnerable people in our community.”