A message from the CEO, Ben Irish
Welcome to the April Murdoch Monthly.
I hope you all had a wonderful Easter and were able to take some time to rest and recharge over the school holiday period. For those who worked across Easter, thank you for your continued care and commitment to our patients and each other.
This month, we celebrate a fantastic achievement for Murdoch, with our CARE program recognised at the Tony Howarth
Awards. This is a meaningful acknowledgment of the work being done to foster a safe and supportive environment for our caregivers, and something we can all be proud of.
Looking ahead to May, we have a number of important opportunities to recognise and celebrate you - our caregivers - and the incredible work you do every day. To kick things off, we will be hosting a Planning for Retirement Expo on 4 May, designed to support you in preparing for your next chapter. Representatives from Maxxia, HESTA, Converge and Group Workforce (HR) will be available to share valuable information and guidance (more info on page10).
Throughout May, we will also be celebrating key caregiver recognition days, including International Day of the Midwife (5 May), International Nurses Day (12 May), National Volunteer Week (commencing 18 May), and
Every Caregiver Counts Day (20 May). These moments give us the opportunity to acknowledge the compassion, skill and dedication that define our Murdoch community.
It’s also great to see continued momentum with our Travel Greener @ Murdoch initiative — keep an eye out for a fun way to 'do the Murdoch Motion' this month.
Once again, thank you for everything you do to make Murdoch such a special place.
Have a wonderful month, and continue to take care of yourselves and each other.
Ben
Reflection
In a world that seems just a little unstable and frightening, I am reminded of how interconnected we all are. Actions all around the world have impacts that we are just now beginning to understand and never before have I felt the truth of Frederick Buechner’s words with such clarity:
“Humanity is like an enormous spider web, so that if you touch it anywhere, you set the whole thing trembling...As we move around this world and as we act with kindness, perhaps, or with indifference, or with hostility, toward the people we meet, we too are setting the great spider web a-tremble. The life that I
touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place and time my touch will be felt. Our lives are linked together. No one is an island.”
In the quiet, often unseen moments of our work, it can be easy to forget just how far our influence reaches. Yet images of humanity as a vast, interconnected web offer a powerful reminder: nothing we do exists in isolation. Every word, every gesture, every decision sends a ripple outward—sometimes gently, sometimes profoundly—touching lives beyond what we can see.
In a hospital community especially, this truth is lived out daily. A reassuring smile to a patient, a kind word between colleagues, a moment of patience in a busy corridor—these are not small things. They travel. They linger. The comfort offered to one person may shape how they respond to another, and then another, extending far beyond the original moment.
Equally, the weight of
indifference or haste can travel too. This is not something to carry as a burden, but rather as an invitation—to be intentional about the kind of “trembling” we set into motion.
There is something deeply hopeful in this image. It tells us that even when our work feels routine or unnoticed, it matters. That kindness is never wasted. That care, once given, does not end with the moment—it continues, quietly shaping the world.
In a place where healing is our shared purpose, we are each part of something much larger than ourselves. Our lives—and our work—are woven together. And through even the smallest acts of compassion, we help strengthen the web that holds us all.
Perhaps today, we can pause and remember that every moment of care and kindness matters and has the power to travel further than we will ever know.
Jenni Director Mission Integration
Murdoch midwives attend PBC expo
St Mary Ward midwives Jasmine and Tanin proudly represented St John of God Health Care at the Perth Pregnancy, Babies and Children’s Expo, held from 21–22 March at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The event was a great success, drawing strong crowds across the two days. Visitors to the SJGHC stand enjoyed connecting with our team and were delighted to receive branded spoonsan unexpected favourite that quickly became a hit with expo-goers.
Patient Experience Matters
Murdoch patients are saying:
Comment 1: St Luke
The staff on St Luke’s went above and beyond to make sure I had everything I needed to be be comfortable while I stayed in hospital. I really couldn’t fault them.
Comment 2: Emergency
My daughter got top level care from a very attentive and experienced team from the moment we presented to the moment we left. The staff were lovely, very professional and kept us informed throughout our time there. It was clear that they cared about my daughter and wanted to ensure she got the best possible care and could also then go home as soon as was appropriate. The team should be congratulated on providing a fantastic service.
Comment
3: Thomas Furlong
All my needs were met with care and nuture; a diagnosis was made for my condition but most of all, ALL staff, without exception, were remarkably good at their jobs.
Caregiver of the Month
January: Isabella Bradford
Nominated by a patient
“My most recent admission was three weeks long and it was a mentally challenging time. Bell was outstanding in every area, but what stood out most was her ability to truly connect with her patients and genuinely listen. I felt she really heard me—all my anxieties, all my worries—and she acknowledged each one. She took time to talk to me, check in on me, and even share her own experiences, which made her feel like more than just a nurse doing her rounds. Even on nights when she wasn’t assigned to me, she still popped in to make sure I was okay. If I was uncomfortable asking others for something, she made sure my needs were met and never made me feel like I was a burden or “too much”. Bell was also very switched on medically and emotionally. Before I even finished explaining a concern, she was already thinking of strategies and putting things in place to support me. She wasn’t afraid to speak up to doctors and advocate for what I needed, and I could tell she genuinely wanted her patients to receive the best care. Being able to tell Bell what I was worried about—and knowing she would either communicate it to the doctors or leave a note for them— gave me real reassurance. Thank you so much, Bell.”
Values award
Giuseppe Reina for a Respect Award
Nominated by a patient's family
"Your time spent with dad when he was in the hospital had such a positive impact on him and mum. Your connection to the place of his father’s birth, and the wonderful songs that you sang became the topic of conversation with family and friends, so when mum found that you could also visit when dad was in the hospice she was thrilled and organised a time when we could be together. Dad was not conscious when you came and shared memories of your last visit and sang songs to celebrate Mum and Dad's pending 63rd Wedding Anniversary, but we knew he was listening. Dad passed away very soon after you left. Mum believes dad waited for you to come. This very special time will stay with us as a beautiful memory forever. Thank you. We shared this story with friends and family at the ceremony celebrating dad’s life and the final song we played at his funeral was the final song you sang, the last song dad heard. It was very special. Thank you for making such a difficult time also so special. So very much appreciated."
A moment that mattered: Hospice
Hospice caregiver Olivia recently had the privilege of being part of a deeply meaningful moment for a patient and his family.
In the final stages of his life, the patient’s daughter asked Olivia to help share the gender of his soon-to-be grandchild with a room full of loved ones. It was important to the family that he knew this special news before his passing.
Although he had been largely unresponsive in the day leading up to the reveal, something remarkable happened. As Olivia shared the news, the patient smiled and softly said “wow,” bringing an emotional sense of joy to everyone in the room.
It was a beautiful and moving moment — one Olivia felt truly honoured to be part of. It’s a powerful reminder of the joy, connection and meaning that can be found, even in life’s most difficult moments.
JMO of the Month
The Junior Medical Officer (JMO) of the month award recognises an outstanding intern, resident or registrar who exemplifies excellence in clinical care, teamwork, professionalism, and a commitment to learning. Nominated by their peers and supervisors, this award celebrates those who go above and beyond in supporting their colleagues and delivering compassionate, high-quality care to patients.
March: Dr Claudia Harmawan
This month, we are thrilled to celebrate Dr Claudia Harmawan, who has been recognised as JMO of the Month for March 2026 Claudia is known to be a quiet achiever and a very enthusiastic hard worker. She always shows her polite and friendly demeanour with her colleagues and patients; her presence never goes un-noticed by her team!
Congratulations, Claudia, this award is well deserved! Thank you for your contributions to St John of God Murdoch.
Allied Health receives the Heart of Murdoch: Team Excellence Award
This month, Thomas Furlong presented Allied Health with the Heart of Murdoch: Team Excellence award.
"In the moments of each day, as challenges arise, and choices weigh heavy, you are there.
You see beyond illness to the person, to the life they have built, and the changes they are facing.
You guide difficult transitions, when home is no longer home and hard decisions can be overwhelming.
You help restore what has been lost movement, voice, confidence, independence, and you support each person to reclaim what matters to them.
Because of you, The ward is kinder, stronger, more compassionate.
And in the moments that matter most, when someone is letting go of a life they once knew, And stepping into the unknown, you are their steady hand, their quite courage, their reminder that they are seen, they are valued,
they are not alone.
Thank you, Allied Health!
From the Thomas Furlong Ward team."
Congratulations to the Allied Health team!
Murdoch team recognised with Tony Howarth Award for CARE
A collaborative team effort at St John of God Murdoch Hospital has been recognised at the 2025 Tony Howarth Awards for Leadership in Health, Safety and Wellbeing, celebrating an initiative that continues to strengthen both patient safety and caregiver wellbeing.
Presented on Wednesday 25 March by Board Chair Hon Kerry Sanderson AC CVO, Chief People Officer Carla Bonev, and members of the St John of God Health Care Board, the awards honour caregivers who turn innovative ideas into meaningful action.
Murdoch received the award in the category of Commitment to Health and Wellbeing for the CARE program – an initiative designed to build psychological safety among caregivers while elevating the standard of safe patient care.
The program began as a Quality and Risk initiative in 2021, when Jocelyn Arnold and Kimberley Montgomery identified an opportunity to improve the prevention of serious patient safety incidents through communication and empowering caregivers to speak up for patient safety in the theatre environment. Drawing on evidence-based graded assertiveness models, and working with the Q&R and Theatre team, they developed and piloted the CARE framework within perioperative services.
What started in theatres quickly demonstrated broader impact, not only improving communication and reducing patient safety risk, but also supporting a culture where caregivers feel confident, heard and supported.
Building on this success, the CARE program was implemented across the wider hospital in 2025, embedding the model into everyday
practice and strengthening our culture of patient safety, openness, respect and shared accountability.
The result is a program that not only heroes patient safety, but fosters an environment where caregivers feel psychologically safe to speak up, contribute and support each other.
This recognition reflects the collective efforts of teams across Murdoch, whose commitment to continuous improvement and compassionate care continues to shape a safer, more supportive
You are now entering a
Winners include:
A solution to an identified occupational, health and safety issue:
SJG Subiaco Perioperative Ortho Tech team
Most Outstanding Health and Safety Representative:
Sharon Smith, Registered Nurse, SJG Healthcare at Home
Best example of Safety Leadership:
Kristy Holmes, ED Area Manager, SJG Midland
Commitment to Health and Wellbeing:
Cate Thomas, Director Organisational Development and Improvement, on behalf of teams across Murdoch
Decreasing To Increase
Pastoral Pause
By now Easter might be a distant memory, or perhaps a regret that you ate too much chocolate I wonder if you attempted to give up anything during Lent* and how that turned out? (*Lent is a period of significance in the Church, which ends with the arrival of Easter and is often a season of fasting for people of faith)
The Pastoral Services Team chose a provocative book to guide our reflections during Lent called '40 Days of Decrease' by Alicia Britt Chole. This book challenged us to thin something from our life in order to thicken some other aspect of it, as a form of fasting.
What is specifically 'given up for Lent' shifts from generation to generation, but caffeine, chocolate, carbs and social media currently rank among the more popular offerings. But what is the point of a fast?? The Scriptures suggest that God seems more interested in what we are becoming, than in what we are giving up Lent then, is less about a sacrifice of stuff, and more about thinning our lives in order to thicken our communion with God. Or to put it another way, decreasing the things that don't serve us, in order to increase those things that might enable us to really flourish.
So, what sort of things did we fast?
We fasted REGRET: regret empties anticipation, flattens dreams, and suffocates hope, because regret is a form of selfpunishment. Hindsight helps us grow from the past, regret beats us up with the past
We fasted SPEEDING PAST SORROWS; it serves us poorly to hurry past big losses and sorrows. Instead of speeding past sadness, we created space to slow down and be present to our emotions.
We fasted COMPARISON: cease determining the value of your reality by your perceptions of others' reality. The people that look like they have it all together no doubt have struggles of their own.
We also fasted Artificial Light Avoidance Rationalism Isolation Spectatorship Neutrality Apathy Denial Formulas. Criticism. Escapism. In fact 40 different things to decrease to enable something else increase
What might need thinning from your life to increase joy, wellbeing and an openness to deeper realities? It might just turn out to be a useful project all year-round
Remember we have our EAP through Converge on 1300 687 327 and Pastoral Services are available on 9438 9680
The greenzone: 'Hop' on board
From 30 March to 2 April, shuttle bus green travellers were challenged to take a selfie with bunny ears for a sweet Easter treat! Those who were bold enough to share their selfie earnt themselves triple the treats!
Thank you to everyone who 'hopped' on board with this latest promotion. Keep an eye out for more fun ways to Travel greener @ Murdoch!
Where's Barry? We found him!
On Wednesday 25 March, Transperth staff and volunteers swapped their uniforms for a casual day, raising funds for Radio Lollipop.
Our Director of Nursing, Sarah-Jayne Powell, even managed to “find” Barry and snap a photo!
Barry is becoming quite the local celebrity, known for warmly greeting everyone who passes through Murdoch Station. If you see him, be sure to say hello!
Celebrating Excellence: Leanne Campion recognised as WANMEA
finalist
We are proud to celebrate St John of God Murdoch caregiver Leanne Campion, who has been named a finalist in the 2026 WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards (WANMEA) for Excellence in Enrolled Nursing.
With more than 12 years of service as an orthopaedic nurse at Murdoch, Leanne’s journey reflects a deep commitment to both her patients and her profession. Beginning her career as an Enrolled Nurse, she has continually invested in her development, achieving Advanced Skilled Enrolled Nurse status through dedication, experience and a passion for learning.
Leanne is known for her exceptional clinical knowledge and compassionate approach to care. She consistently supports her patients to achieve their recovery goals in a way that is caring, respectful and empowering. Her understanding of practices such as early mobilisation plays a key role in improving patient outcomes and enhancing recovery.
Beyond her clinical expertise, Leanne is a valued mentor and leader within St Rose Ward. She generously supports new caregivers and students, sharing
her knowledge, guiding their development and fostering a positive team environment. Her leadership also extends to her role as Vice Chair of the ward’s Thrive Council, where she advocates for initiatives that enhance both patient and caregiver experience.
Leanne’s commitment to ongoing professional development and her willingness to uplift those around her embody what excellence in nursing truly looks like.
Leanne is one of three St John of God Health Care caregivers recognised as finalists this year, alongside Jodee Hollingsworth (Midland) and Felicity Anderson (Subiaco). This recognition highlights the exceptional standard of care delivered across our organisation.
Congratulations, Leanne, on this well-deserved achievement. We are incredibly proud of the compassionate care and leadership you bring to Murdoch every day.
20 May is our Every Caregiver Counts Celebration. It is a day to say thank you and celebrate our wonderful caregivers across the Hospital. From Engineering to Patient Administration, Catering to PCAs, Housekeeping to CSSD and everyone in between, we want to celebrate all that you do and all that you contribute to our Hospital. At Murdoch
Wednesday 20 May
Every caregiver brings unique and different skills, which makes Murdoch the place it is.
Every caregiver contributes to making Murdoch a fantastic place to work.
Every caregiver contributes to creating positive patient experiences.
Pop your note of thanks to a caregiver into our ECC box at Main Reception
Meet Angie - Nurse Manager, St Michael ward
Recently, we welcomed Angela De Nardi as Nurse Unit Manager for St Michael ward. Angie has a wealth of knowledge in the paediatric space, and joined us from St John of God Subiaco, where she held the position of Nurse Unit Manager for Endoscopy and IBD Service. To really get to know Angie, we put her in the hot seat with some hard-hitting questions!
What do you love most about nursing?
I love the unique blend of critical thinking and compassion. No two days are the same, and I thrive on the challenge of clinical problem-solving while ensuring my patients feel safe and empowered throughout their recovery journey.
What’s something many of us may not know about you?
Many people don’t know that I’m a bit of a closet artist! Whether it’s painting, crochet, knitting, or just sketching, I love working with my hands. It’s my favourite way to 'switch off' and find my centre after a busy day/ week.
Netflix or novel – which do you prefer? Any recommendations?
I’m a Netflix fan through and through. I love a good documentary or a gripping drama to completely switch off my 'nurse brain.' If you haven't seen Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones yet, we need to talk—it’s fascinating and actually has some great tips for our own longevity.
What emoji best represents you?
I chose the sunflower because they are known for their resilience—they find the light even on the gloomiest days, which is a mindset I try to bring to my patients and my team.
If you weren’t a nurse, you would be…?
I’d likely be a small-town café owner. There’s something about the ritual of coffee and good food that brings people together, and I love creating spaces where people feel welcome and looked after (though I’m glad I get to do that in a clinical setting instead!).
What’s the greatest piece of advice you have for nursing colleagues?
Be as kind to yourself as you are to your patients. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so prioritise your own wellbeing and lean on your work family when things get tough. We’re in this together! Also, remember that our presence is often just as healing as our clinical skills.
Meet Katherine - Nurse Manager, Angiography
In December, we welcomed Katherine Hudson into the role of Nurse Manager, Angiography. Katherine has extensive clinical knowledge, strong leadership skills, and commitment to patient care. To get a clearer picture of who Katherine is, we challenged her with a few curveball questions!
What do you love most about nursing?
The technology we use is helping us treat patients and get them well and home to their family's in a short period of time through minimally invasive procedures.
What’s something many of us may not know about you?
I have a 3D printing business House of Hudson.com.au
Netflix or novel – which do you prefer? Any recommendations? Live sport!
What emoji/s best represents you?
If you weren’t a nurse, you would be…?
I would want to play professional sport - Golf, Hockey or AFL.
What’s the greatest piece of advice you have for nursing colleagues?
For us its just another day but for the patient its the most important day in their life. Be the person you would want caring for you on that day.
Research and real talk with Catarina
Meet Catarina Wylde, our Clinical Nurse for Research, who brings a unique mix of nursing experience and legal expertise to the team.
With a strong background in research and governance, Catarina supports new projects from approval through to delivery. She’s passionate about mentoring caregivers and building a strong research culture across Murdoch. We caught up with Catarina to learn more about her role and what inspires her.
Tell us a little about what you do and the types of research you conduct.
Nursing research is a wonderfully exciting and growing field, and something we all have the opportunity to contribute to. When caregivers have an idea or desire for change in the workplace, my role is to help turn that idea into a project. This can be observational (collecting evidence on what is happening) or implementational (collecting evidence before and after a change is implemented).
What first sparked your interest in clinical research?
I was working in ICU, and a mentor had just commenced her PhD. I volunteered to collect patient data and stool samples. Decidedly unglamourous, but it lit the spark to a new element of nursing for me in striving for better recovery outcomes. 5 years on, this passion continued to drive, and I’m now full time in the research space.
What kinds of research opportunities are available for nurses and allied health professionals at Murdoch?
Opportunities are endless! Start small with a quality improvement, improve your own workflow or put forward an idea for better care solutions. Valuable perspective can also be gained outside of the hospital via a postgrad qualification or even citizen science volunteering.
How does research change what we do at the bedside or in clinics?
Officially termed “translating research into practice”, changing bedside practices has been found to take up to 17 years! If this seems too long for you, you have the ability to change the way your ward or clinic works by speaking up, being curious and of course getting in touch
If you could research anything in health care tomorrow, what would it be?
How a five-minute snooze in the morning and the five minutes my toddler takes to put on his shoes are the same length of time! In all seriousness, I am most interested in improving access to healthcare for all, especially effective health promotion interventions that can positively impact the health of a large number of people that are currently going without.
How can people learn more?
Send me a message on Teams or come have a chat - I am down next to the auditorium on LG. Team brainstorms are a great way to understand what common issues are affecting the ward - I can facilitate these. I am also available for weddings and christenings!
Anything more you’d like to add?
“Scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should”. There are endless possibilities for what to research and I encourage you to explore ways to leave your world a healthier, safer place for the next generation.
Title
Pre-works are currently underway for a healthy self-service cafe
In addition to our current dining room service, you will soon be able to purchase fresh food, snacks and drinks, 24/7, from the Caregiver Dining Room. Opening early May
For more info, scan the QR code or see https://www.morsl.com.au/
Scrubs with soul: Charlotte's colourful impact on health care
At Murdoch, compassion shows up in many ways - and for Patient Care Assistant Charlotte Lowery, it comes to life through colour, creativity and connection.
Charlotte is the founder of Soulful Scrubs, a vibrant scrub brand inspired by her work in health care and a passion for design. When asked what first sparked the idea, she reflects on a moment many caregivers will relate to.
“When I was first interviewed at St John of God, I was asked which value was most important to me. My answer was compassion,” she said.
“For me, compassion means remembering the humans behind the uniforms… and giving them something that might lighten their day.”
Working in the hospital environment played a big role in bringing Soulful Scrubs to life.
“You see how emotional and demanding the environment can be,” Charlotte said. “One day, I saw someone wearing fun scrubs and noticed the positive energy it created… I remember thinking, I’m going to make a pair of my own.”
That idea quickly grew, with her first design selling out and evolving into a brand known for bold, high-contrast prints and the use of colour psychology to bring optimism into clinical spaces.
And the impact? It’s felt in the small, everyday moments.
“Many patients have been in their rooms for days, sometimes weeks, and when colour enters the room, it can really change the dynamic,” she said. “It gives them something to smile about or comment on.”
Charlotte believes fun scrubs also give caregivers a chance to express themselves in an otherwise structured environment. “When you feel comfortable and confident in what you're wearing, it often reflects in how you connect with patients and colleagues.”
It’s this same spirit that makes initiatives like Funky Scrub Top Friday so special.
“They bring people together and create moments of positivity,” Charlotte said.
“It’s a reminder that small things can lift morale while supporting a meaningful cause.”
For Charlotte, seeing her designs worn within the hospital is deeply meaningful.
“Knowing that something I designed might lift someone’s mood… makes it all worthwhile,” she said.
“It also reminds us to stay connected to our creative, playful
side, even in a demanding
Happy retirement, Stephen!
On Friday 27 March, the Murdoch Stores team said a heartfelt farewell to Stephen West as he celebrated his retirement.
Stephen has worked with St John of God Health Care for over two decades, with last year earning him his 20 year badge.
Stephen is looking forward to doing less walking and more travelling with his free time.
Farewell, Stephen! Happy retirement!
CDS corner
This month, the Clinical Documentation Specialists are focusing on how UTIs are documented. Are you documenting them correctly?
CDS corner
Why did you want to beco me a do ctor?
What is your favourite meal?
my mum’s co o king
Fun fact? when i was 18, i wasn’t sure if medicine was for me. but the m ore I started studying it, so mething changed. the human body turned out to be far m ore fascinating than i had imagined. the m ore i learned, the m ore i felt this quiet sense of wo nder about life. so mewhere alo ng the way the hesitati o n faded & I realised that I had fallen in love with medicine.
I can nap alm ost anywhere, anytime - even while assisting in a co mplex PCI case during a nati o nwide broad cast.
Congratulations to Dr Ranjan Shrestha who has been crowned the 'Quarterly Medical Documentation Superstar!'
