Long service recognised at health service

More than 70 staff members and doctors have been recognised for their long service to the West Gippsland Healthcare Group.

The service awards were presented for service between 15 and 45 years.

Four volunteers also were awarded medals for achieving 10 years service each.

Maria Kraszewski from corporate services and Judith Darcy from central sterile supply department achieved 45 year and 40 year awards respectively.

Maria, a second generation WGHG staff member, reflected on her career beginnings as a cleaner working in the kitchen washing pots.

“I then moved into cleaning on the wards and in theatre for 13 years, then became a trainer and then a manger of the environmental services team which employs 47 cleaning staff and hospital attendants.

“My mother worked at the hospital for 26 years and I always wanted to beat that record. I just love the place. I take great pride in making sure everything is running smoothly,” she said.

The WGHG’s recent annual meeting also acknowledged retiring board directors Leanne Williams and Susan Lloyd for their work over a turbulent three-year period.

Chief executive officer Dan Weeks also thanked the community for its generosity in donations received during the financial year.

“The opportunity shop auxiliaries at Drouin and Trafalgar continue to thrive and provide much needed support and there are many fundraising groups whose efforts enabled us to purchase medical equipment not covered by government funding.

“None of what we have achieved throughout the year would have been possible without the outstanding contribution of our Board, executive team, staff, contractors, volunteers, auxiliaries and our donors,” he said.