Gold Coast Women of the Year: Mum a children’s emergency carer for almost two decades

Meet Christa Bell — a Gold Coast mother who has spent almost two decades of her life caring for sick children in one of the city’s busiest hospitals.

MEET Christa Bell — a Gold Coast mother who has spent almost two decades of her life caring for sick children in the one of the cities busiest hospitals.

The 49-year-old is a mother to three children and has worked endlessly to care for others in the children’s emergency department at Gold Coast University Hospital.

“I feel like it’s important to make people believe and be passionate again because for most people who come through the emergency department, it’s the worst time of their life,” she said.

Dr Christiana Bell at the Gold Coast University Hospital.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE GOLD COAST BULLETIN FOR JUST $5 A MONTH FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS

She first came to the Gold Coast in 1995 and has made herself a well recognised face for many Gold Coasters.

But after over a decade of caring for others, Dr Bell learnt what it was like to be taken care of when she was diagnosed with cancer five years ago.

“I had the opportunity to be on the other side, which I didn’t think was very nice,” she said.

Dr Bell has been working at Gold Coast University Hospital for almost two decades. Photo: Glenn Hampson

MORE INSPIRING STORIES: VISIT OUR WOMEN OF THE YEAR HOME PAGE

“It really made me understand what the patient wants and how important it was to have someone with a familiar face care for you.”

Although the job is tough on her own mental health at times, she said it is incredibly rewarding and describes her job as “true tapestry of life” for her.

“I can easily do this for another 10 years,” she’s said.

“I couldn’t see myself ever doing anything else. I will be here until I retire.”

Holly Caley-Hayward, 5, playing at the Gold Coast University Hospital’s Emergency Department.

Dr Bell was nominated by her colleagues for Women of the Year in the angles among us category.

The Gold Coast Bulletin’s Harvey Norman Women of the Year initiative is designed to honour the women who have helped build and nurture the city.

A shortlist of 24 women will be selected on January 12.

A judging panel led by Harvey Norman CEO Katie Page will select the winners.