Meghan Royes returns to Rockhampton with Mater Private Hospital following COVID-19 outbreak

The Covid-19 outbreak has prompted a health professional to return to her hometown of Rockhampton after travelling and working around the world for more than 10 years.

After travelling the world for more than 10 years, Meghan Royes decided to move back to Central Queensland following the outbreak of COVID-19 and the chance of a senior finance role at Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton.

Ms Royes said she always wanted to return to Rockhampton, but the COVID-19 pandemic made her make the move back home a little sooner.

She said when she saw the job at Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton come up, she knew she had to go for it.

“It’s so nice to be back home and able to see my family and friends,” she said.

“I have missed the quiet and relaxed vibes Rockhampton has to offer plus I love living so close to the beach again.”

Having taken on the role of operations and finance manager at Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, Ms Royes brought more than a decade of skills and experience from working for the mining and resources industry in London and elsewhere.

“I am excited for the new responsibilities, and to work in a place which is focused on helping people,” she said.

“In my new role at Mater I will focus on community engagement, promoting sustainable business practices and optimising our service models to improve patient experience, especially in the maternity unit.

“I am keen to get out into the community, meet people and hear insights from our customers on how we can implement new ideas into the hospital.”

Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton executive director Sue Thurbon said the community had much to offer young people who decided to return to their roots.

“I am thrilled for Meghan to join the team and bring with her the skills and experience she has gained working around the world in different industries and sectors,” Ms Thurbon said.

“I think it’s great to see Rockhampton locals returning home, the community has so much to offer young people like her and we are looking forward to having someone bringing a fresh perspective to our hospital team.”