Townsville Hospital and Health Service acknowledge staff contribution

A woman with an impressive four decades of service at Townsville University Hospital is among 600 dedicated health staff members whose combined healthcare experience amounts to nearly 10,000 years.

For 40 years Katrina Roberts has embraced every opportunity presented to her while working in healthcare. The Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) director of nursing newborn, children, and adolescent services was one of 600 Townsville HHS staff members with more than 9880 years of healthcare experience between them who were recently recognised for their length of service with Queensland Health. Picture: Supplied

A woman with four decades of service at Townsville University Hospital is one of 600 health service staff members with almost 10,000 years of combined healthcare experience.

Katrina Roberts started her career as a student nurse in 1984.

She said there had been incredible changes in the industry, particularly with technological innovations.

“While the technology has helped us monitor and care for patients, the fundamentals of providing care have not changed with a focus on kindness and compassion still at the centre of it all,” she said.

The Townsville Hospital and Health Service (THHS) director of nursing newborn, children and adolescent services is just one staff member recently recognised for their length of service with Queensland Health.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes, THHS Board chairman Tony Mooney and THHS director of nursing newborn, children and adolescent services Katrina Roberts. Ms Roberts had positively touched countless lives during her 40-year career working with women and children. Picture: Supplied

In total, 600 THHS staff members have more than 9880 combined years of experience between them.

Ms Roberts said while she had been in several roles over the years, her dedication to helping people had not changed.

She said that for most of her career, she had been fortunate to work with women and children.

“Nursing and midwifery have provided me with amazing opportunities for personal and professional growth,” she said.

“It is a privilege to provide care and support to our children and families in our local community and across North Queensland, and it’s rewarding to see patients living happy and healthy lives.”

Ms Roberts said she started her career in the children’s ward before specialising in midwifery and neonatal nursing and then moving into leadership and management.

“It’s been a privilege to spend my career working with and being supported by wonderful colleagues and teams,” she said.

“It has also been a great honour to provide the same support now through mentoring and supporting others in their careers.”

THHS chief executive Kieran Keyes said Ms Roberts had touched countless lives during her career, saying her willingness to take on new challenges was inspirational.

“Katrina is an asset to the health service, and her leadership and expertise have been instrumental in providing exceptional patient care,” he said.

“I want to congratulate her and the more than 600 Townsville HHS team members for their years of hard work and dedication.”

Originally published as Townsville Hospital and Health Service acknowledge staff contribution