Q: What’s your earliest memory of working at Westmead Rehabilitation Hospital?
I really enjoyed seeing the progression of patients—from admission to discharge, and returning for Day Program. Witnessing their recovery under our care has been incredible.
Q: If you could describe the team in one word, what would it be?
Caring.
Q: Which innovation or improvement has made the biggest difference for patients?
Separating the Day Program and inpatient gyms made a huge difference. It improved interaction between patients and staff, allowed us to better meet different patient needs, and helped many patients progress toward independence without 24/7 supervision. It’s been a great stepping stone to home, full recovery, and better outcomes.
Q: If you could rename one area of the hospital with a fun name, what would it be?
“The Heart” – the centre where everything happens. No allied health, no hospital!
Q: What do you hope the hospital will look like in another 20 years?
I’d love to see the hospital expanded through the Brownfield project to serve the community even better, with advanced technology, AI, and highly experienced staff supporting medical rehabilitation.
Q: If you could add one new feature or service tomorrow, what would it be?
I would enhance patient spaces to provide more opportunities for social interaction and therapeutic activities.
Q: What’s your proudest moment working here?
Seeing patients’ smiling faces and the positive outcomes when they go home
What’s your earliest memory of working at Westmead Rehabilitation Hospital?
My earliest memory is how welcoming everyone was. The team chemistry was excellent from the beginning. As a new graduate starting my career, it was a very exciting opportunity, with a mix of nervousness and excitement at the same time. I immediately felt supported and encouraged by the team.
Who has been your most memorable colleague and why?
Miriam Johnston, our Allied Health Manager, has been my most memorable colleague. She is a highly professional and effective leader who leads with genuine care. Miriam is warm, supportive, and approachable, creating a positive and inclusive team environment. Her leadership consistently brings out the best in people and makes a meaningful difference for both staff and patients.
Which innovations or improvements have made the biggest difference for patients?
The introduction of new technology has made a significant impact. We now have two Tyromotion devices and an Armadillo robotic system, which are unique compared to many other hospitals in the area. We also use SmartFit technology. Moving forward, we are looking to further expand into AI-driven robotics and virtual rehabilitation technologies to remain competitive and continue improving patient outcomes.
If you could rename one area of the hospital with a fun name, what would it be?
I would rename the therapy gym The Innovation Hub, as it represents where technology, rehabilitation, and patient progress come together.
What do you hope the hospital will look like in another 20 years?
I hope Westmead Rehabilitation Hospital becomes a state-of-the-art facility with a larger, more diverse multidisciplinary team. This would include on-site podiatry, psychology, diversional therapy, and volunteers, all working together to provide truly holistic patient care.
If you had to sum up your experience in a single sentence, what would it be?
Westmead Rehabilitation Hospital has been a supportive and forward-thinking workplace that fosters teamwork, innovation, and excellent patient outcomes
What’s your earliest memory of working at Westmead Rehabilitation Hospital?
I remember feeling incredibly excited. It was a brand-new hospital with a beautiful facility, and from the very first day I received such a warm welcome. The staff were friendly, supportive, and made me feel instantly at home.
What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing that’s happened at work over the years?
One morning I was so excited to come to work that I forgot to put my shoes on and left the house wearing red slippers! I ended up working the whole day in them. The patients found it very amusing and started calling me Dorothy, which still makes me laugh.
Who has been your most memorable colleague and why?
Vijay and Kamilla have been my most memorable colleagues. They’ve been here the longest and took the time to properly show me around when I first started. They are always friendly, go above and beyond for everyone, and are truly an asset to the team.
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen at the hospital over the past 20 years?
The hospital has been owned by four different companies, so we’ve experienced many changes—uniforms, processes, and heads of department. Despite this, the core team has remained strong. Some doctors are still here, and everyone continues to strive to make a difference for the community.
If you could rename one area of the hospital with a fun name, what would it be?
Jay Hunter and I share an office—she’s the Bed Manager and I’m the Discharge Planner. We often refer to our office as The Einstein Lab because that’s where the brains of the operation work.
What do you hope the hospital will look like in another 20 years?
I hope the hospital continues serving the greater community with new facilities and advanced technology. I may not be around to see it—I’ll hopefully be retired and relaxing on a beach somewhere—but I hope the team continues striving for the best outcomes for every patient.
If you had to sum up your experience in one sentence, what would it be?
Westmead Rehabilitation Hospital has been my happy place—a supportive environment where patient care, teamwork, and positive outcomes always come first.
What’s your earliest memory of working at Westmead Rehabilitation Hospital?
My earliest memory is walking into the brand-new hospital for the very first time. It was amazing to see such a modern, fresh facility, and to meet so many new people. I still remember how kind the hospital manager was—they personally took me around for my orientation. It was such a sweet welcome, and at that time the hospital was still on “green patient” status, so everything felt new and full of promise.
What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing that’s happened at work over the years?
I always loved our six-monthly “bring a plate” events. Everyone would bring a dish from their culture, and it became a beautiful multicultural celebration. It was fun, full of laughter, and a wonderful way to appreciate all the different nationalities in our team.
Who has been your most memorable colleague, and why?
Sashi Kapoor stands out as my most memorable colleague. We started around the same time, shared the same interests, and became very good friends. She was new, I was new, and all these years later—we are both still here. Our journey together has been truly special.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received from someone here?
The best advice I ever received was: “Be strong.”
When I first started, I was very naïve, soft-spoken, and quiet. Someone told me that to work in a hospital, you need to stand up for yourself and be resilient. That advice shaped me into the stronger, more confident person I am today.
Or
‘Take one day at a time’
If you could describe the team in one word, what would it be?
More than one word—courageous. Our team faces challenges every day with strength, compassion, and determination.
If you could rename one area of the hospital with a funny name, what would it be?
I would rename the kitchen “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.” It’s always busy, full of drama, but also full of fun and happy staff. It definitely deserves a fabulous name!
What do you hope the hospital will look like in another 20 years?
I hope to see more advanced technology, more AI, and modern equipment—something that will attract and inspire younger generations to join the healthcare workforce.
If you had to sum up your experience here in a single sentence, what would it be?
My journey at Westmead Rehab has helped me grow in confidence, communication, and knowledge. I have adapted to many management changes, faced challenging behaviours, and never gave up—each experience has shaped me into the strong person I am today.
1. What does the collaboration between DHM and Westmead Rehabilitation Hospital mean to you?
The collaboration between Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology and Westmead Rehabilitation Hospital represents a trusted partnership built on shared values — quality, responsiveness, and patient-centred care. From my perspective, it’s a relationship where open communication and mutual respect allow us to work seamlessly together to support clinicians and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
2. How does pathology support the rehabilitation journey for patients?
Pathology plays a critical role throughout the rehabilitation journey by providing timely and accurate diagnostic information that supports clinical decision-making. Regular monitoring of patients’ medical status can help guide treatment plans, track progress, and identify potential complications early, allowing rehabilitation teams to focus on safe, effective recovery.
3. What makes Westmead unique compared to other facilities you work with?
Westmead Rehabilitation Hospital stands out for its strong multidisciplinary approach and its genuine commitment to collaboration. The clinical teams are highly engaged, proactive, and focused on holistic patient care. There is also a strong culture of communication, which makes working together efficient and rewarding.
4. What does reaching this 20-year milestone say about Westmead’s commitment to excellence?
Reaching 20 years is a significant achievement and reflects Westmead’s consistent commitment to high-quality care, innovation, and continuous improvement. It speaks to the dedication of its leadership and staff in adapting to changing healthcare needs while maintaining a strong focus on patient outcomes and service excellence.
