OCTOBER 2022
CMNL threw a well earnt ‘thank you’ party for the Canterbury Hospital staff in appreciation of their monumental efforts during the pandemic, and give them a much deserved night off for their selfless service to the community.
Approximately 300 nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, domestic assistants, mental health workers and admin staff took the night off to gather in The Arena at Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club.
They enjoyed champagne on arrival, a selection of canapés and live entertainment by comedian Jeeves Verma plus five-piece band HIPNOSIS performed as they celebrated together.
During the gala, CMNL’s CEO, Dean Thomas addressed the hospital staff in a heartfelt speech. He said, “We simply want to thank you for all your service. For your patience, professionalism, and kindness. We are grateful to all healthcare workers who are proud to serve our community on the frontline.”
“Our organisation has been a part of the community for a long time and we have a great history together. It helps remind us of why we are here. A place to be relied upon, a place the community can trust where people can gather for things that matter.” concluded Thomas.
Federal MP Sophie Cotsis also addressed the crowd, reflecting on the dark times when frontline workers couldn’t meet their families or had to be in protective gear for extended time periods to keep their loved ones safe.
“I want to acknowledge all your hardwork. We saw you in action, we saw what you did. Managing the community in different languages. I love and respect you all!” she said.
During the pandemic, the hospital supported the community by establishing a large testing clinic, a vaccination hub and community vaccination centres. Staff were required to be adaptable with many being redeployed to other roles and having to work longer hours to. Nurses, doctors and other health workers gave out 130,000 swabs in the carpark location and another 45,000 at the hospital clinic. A whopping 21,000 vaccines were administered too.
At the peak of the pandemic, Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club car park was utilised as a drive-thru Covid testing station run by Canterbury Hospital. The Club was grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to the needs of the community in the fight against the pandemic.
Here is what our people had to say –
Dean Thomas, CEO of Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL
“We are committed to giving back to our community and we will continue to show our appreciation to all first responders who are there when we need them.”
Federal MP Sophie Cotsis
“I think the club members would be very proud that the Club has done this. It’s a show of respect, it’s a show of acknowledgment to the staff that they have done a great job.”
Micheal Morris, General Manager of Canterbury Hospital
“Over the past 2 years, we’ve had a number of challenges as part of our covid response. This is now a great opportunity for us to come together and celebrate.”
Aimee McDonall, Nurse Unit Manager
“It’s been a really hard two years and we haven’t really had the opportunity to celebrate. My nurses – they’ve been stressed, they’ve had the same fears as the community. But to be able to be appreciated, recognized and to be able to let their hair down a little bit, it’s a really special thing.”
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
We are throwing a well earnt party for our local frontline health care workers at Canterbury Hospital,
to show our appreciation & respect for our frontline health heroes, and in recognition of their values:
selflessness, commitment, hard work and care.
During difficult times, particularly over the last few years during the pandemic, we recognise that
the values of our health care frontline workers are not dissimilar to the values of our ADF heroes.
endurance, courage, ingenuity, good humour and mateship
Scroll through the gallery and watch the video below to see firsthand what went down that night!
