BASS Coast Health is recruiting more theatre nursing staff ahead of the opening of a brand-new theatre complex at the Wonthaggi Hospital as part of the $115 million expansion.
The new theatre facility comprises three state-of-the-art digital theatres, a new day theatre, new Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) and an expansive recovery area.
“In 2023, we will increase the volume, range and complexity of surgery we offer, and we are keen to grow our specialist theatre nursing workforce to meet our future needs,” said health service CEO Jan Child.
“We already have an awesome theatre team, we will soon have a new building and fantastic new equipment and Bass Coast Health is now looking for more skilled, passionate theatre staff who want to make a difference to our local community.
“Our new staff would be joining wonderful people like Louisa McKenzie and Fenella King who can’t speak highly enough about the opportunities.”
Ms McKenzie’s roles in theatre are diverse, working as a scrub scout or an anaesthetic nurse. She has been part of the theatre team at Wonthaggi Hospital for five years and has enjoyed the opportunity to work in many areas over that time.
“We all work together in theatre and it’s more like being part of a big country community,” said Louisa McKenzie.
“Patients prefer the good country service and the personal touch that we offer. You’re not just a number,” she said.
Ms McKenzie is excited about the construction of the new Wonthaggi Hospital expansion and the four new operating theatres it will bring.
“We are looking forward to growing even more than we have and doing more complex surgery so that we can treat more patients closer to their homes,” she said.
Ms King is a scrub scout at Wonthaggi Hospital, having previously worked in South Africa and New Zealand and now living on the Bass Coast.
“The nicest thing about working in the country is that you are working with a family,” said Fenella King.
“Your colleagues become like your second family,” she said.
“Living locally, there is always something to do here apart from work; there are the beaches, the walks, and the scenery.
“It’s always convenient to get to things and it only takes me 10 minutes to travel from home to work.”
Ms King also enjoys the diversity her role offers, from preparing equipment and patients for surgery, to being scrubbed with other nurses and surgeons, or teaching students.
“As an all-rounder you have to specialise in every area,” she said.
“We have lots of learning opportunities and we are not just skilled in one area. Some staff in the city will only do endoscopy but here we get the opportunity to be part of all types of surgeries.”
To learn more about working at Bass Coast Health, visit our recruitment website https://basscoasthealth.mercury.com.au/ or contact our Human Resources team on http://hr@basscoasthealth.org.au
