Mieke recognised for nearly 60 years of service to community
One of St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals most experienced and respected caregivers, Mieke Slee, is retiring after caring for others for nearly 60 years.
26 Oct 2021
A special celebration was recently held by the hospital in recognition of 76 year old Mieke’s career and dedication to the community.
Mieke, who worked in the hospital’s Visiting Midwifery Service, has seen much change since she began her career.
“When I started, there was no occupational health and safety, no disposable goods, we were living in nursing quarters working long shifts and lights went out at 10pm,” Mieke said.
Mieke’s association with St John of God Health Care started as a 17-year-old when she completed her training at St John of God Ballarat Hospital.
She went on to work as a nurse in the outback and in third world countries.
“I continued my studies through my career and gained qualifications in midwifery, child health, theatre, ICU, counselling, sport and recreation, family and sexual health, addiction studies, forensic and prison health, and becoming an enhanced midwife,” she said.
She rejoined the organisation when St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospital opened in 2015, after she transferred from Swan District Hospital when it closed.
St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals Michael Hogan CEO said we wish Mieke all the best with her retirement and that she would be greatly missed by the midwifery team.
“Mieke provided our maternity patients with significant expertise, gained from many years of experience as a midwife and nurse,” he said.
Mieke said when she began her career, child and community health was done visiting patients by bicycle and public transport and being a matron in the bush meant caring for all living creatures, not just people.
“When I worked in third world countries, the care could be physically, mentally and emotionally demanding, with cultural beliefs and practices often being a major challenge,” she said.
“Yet having travelled that continuum of time, evaluating all the changes that have occurred over the past 50 years makes you realise that learning and sharing knowledge never ceases and I have greatly enjoyed my time caring for others.
“There are no regrets, just joy and passion for having chosen wisely.”