Photos: Supplied.
CONTRIBUTED BY METRO SOUTH HEALTH
One of Redland Hospital’s longest-serving nurses is marking the end of an era after more than four decades in the profession and almost 39 years caring for the Redlands community.
Emergency Department nurse Shirley Timmins began at Redland Hospital when the service first opened the doors to the original hospital, which now houses Allied Health Services.
Shirley said it was the people who kept her at Redland for nearly four decades.
“The staff in the Emergency Department where I work have been like family,” she said. “When the hospital opened, we were a small team with a big responsibility, and we relied on each other. That closeness has stayed with me my whole career.”
She said patient needs had grown more complex over time, but the heart of nursing had remained the same.
“I absolutely love nursing, I’m not leaving because I don’t love the profession,” she said. “I’ve always felt like I still had something to give, not just to patients but to junior nurses and my colleagues as well.”
Shirley said the moments that stayed with her the most were seeing teams come together in critical situations.
“As soon as a code is called, you see people go from being individuals to being a team. Everyone knows their role and just gets on with it,” she said. “I have witnessed this team do amazing things.
“The incidents that stand out for me particularly are a resuscitation by Dr John Sutherland; his outstanding clinical skills saved the life of a young woman.
“Many years ago, a work colleague also had to call a Code Blue because they suffered a heart attack while at work,” she said. “But there have been hundreds of similar moments.”
Shirley’s advice to new nurses is grounded in the lessons she learned throughout her career.
“You’re never alone; there is always someone around, so ask for help,” she said. “And treat patients and their families how you would want your own family treated.”
Director of Emergency Dr John Sutherland said Shirley’s emergency nursing experience guided senior and junior medical colleagues alike.
“Shirley is the perfect example of why doctors need to listen to experienced senior emergency nurses,” he said.
“There are so many members of the local community that owe a debt of gratitude to Shirley – from both identifying those that really were very sick, and ensuring they got the attention they needed, to countless patients and relatives that have been touched by Shirley’s work.
“I’m not sure we can ever replace the experience, care, and love that Shirley has provided to staff and patients and relatives, but so many staff have learnt to do what they do because of Shirley being a role model.
“Redland Hospital ED will continue to benefit from Shirley’s touch and influence despite her well-earned retirement.”
Director of Nursing and Midwifery Amanda Garner said Shirley’s contribution to Redland Hospital and the broader Bayside Health Service had been extraordinary.
“Shirley represents the very best of nursing, clinical expertise, and a deep understanding of her patients’ needs,” Ms Garner said. “She has supported generations of staff and patients, and her loss will be felt deeply.”
Shirley will take long service leave before formally retiring next year.
“For the first 12 years, I worked every Christmas, and my kids really grew up around my shift work.
“My husband has supported me for more than 40 years, going to family events on his own, when I’ve had to work.
“It’s time to give some of that time back to my family.”
