Wendy Piggott celebrates 50th anniversary at Mater Private Hospital Townsville
When Sister Wendy Piggott arrived in Townsville in 1973, she only had a motor scooter and a desire to help others. Now she is celebrating 50 years at Mater Private Hospital Townsville.
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A Sister of Mercy who arrived in Townsville in 1973 with only a motor scooter and a passion for helping others celebrated her 50th anniversary at Mater Private Hospital Townsville last week.
Sister Wendy Piggott served as a nurse, midwife, clinical data co-ordinator, administration officer and office manager during her time at the Mater.
She has watched the hospital, staff and services grow with the “same spirit of mercy they have always had.”
“There are so many people here who showcase that mercy day after day and ensure the Mater will always remain true to its values, whether the Sisters of Mercy are here or not,” Sr Wendy said.
Sister Wendy also celebrated her 70th birthday last week.
She was born in New Zealand, but finished her schooling in Brisbane after her family moved across the Tasman.
She started nursing to follow in her older sister’s footsteps and completed her training in Townsville in her early 20s.
“When I moved here though, I forgot that I would have to drive to work, so I’d sold my car before I moved and had to buy a motor scooter when I arrived,” Sr Wendy.
“Our convent used to be in Belgian Gardens so I can remember driving over the little hill from the Strand to the CBD past the Cathedral trying to make it over the top with a police car right behind me.”
Over the past five decades, Sister Wendy has seen a lot of change. When she first started in nursing theatres they would “get in there with our small tools and gloves.”
“Now so much of it is done with big fancy machines and laparoscopic equipment,” Sister Wendy said.
Mater Chief of Mission Alanna Jacoby said Sister Wendy’s compassion and dedication to Mater and the Diocese of Townsville was inspiring.
“Mater’s mission has always been to respond to unmet community need, and to provide compassionate care to those who need it most. We are blessed that Sister Wendy arrived here 50 years ago, and that she has delivered on Mater’s mission ever since,” Ms Jacoby said.
Mater Private Hospital Townsville General Manager Stephanie Barwick said Sister Wendy was a fantastic embodiment of the compassionate care provided by all Mater staff and that she “always championed that at a local level.”
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Originally published as Wendy Piggott celebrates 50th anniversary at Mater Private Hospital Townsville
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