Caregiver of the year awarded to Kym

9 Mar 2023

During St John of God Murdoch Hospital’s annual St John of God Day celebrations, caregiver Kym Oakes was announced as our 2022 Caregiver of the Year in front of peers and hospital executives.

Kym started on Thomas Furlong as the ward clerk in 2021 and in just two years has had a significant impact on the ward.

Nurse Manager Karan Lane said Kym is an integral part of the Thomas Furlong team, who has a gift in making people’s experience on the ward positive, whether they are a patient, visitor or caregiver.

“Kym goes above and beyond to ensure our patient’s experience starts positively the minute they arrive. She will ensure the patient is led safely to their room, where their comfort and warmth is addressed and a hot cup of tea is made. She will promptly inform the allocated nurse and ensure all patients’ loved ones are completely taken care of,” she said.

“Kym has an amazing memory, remembers every patient’s name and is able to look at a family member and direct them to the appropriate room without asking who they have come to visit. She makes the patient and family feel so important. It doesn’t matter how busy she is at the time, she will stop what she is doing and take the time to listen. Kym will always act on any concerns and do everything in her power to ensure any worries are resolved. She is instinctively considerate of sensitive, difficult and emotional situations.

“Her care further extends to all the caregivers on the Thomas Furlong ward. Kym is always willing to help and does whatever she can to ensure the safety and wellbeing of her team.”

St John of God Murdoch Hospital acting Chief Executive Officer Michael Salter said Kym is a deserving recipient of the St John of God Murdoch Hospital Caregiver of the Year award.

“Kym’s care for patients and their families is exceptional and embodies our core values and mission. She is a worthy recipient of this award [Caregiver of the Year], which is bestowed upon her with much pride and gratitude,” he said.

“The hospitality Kym shows to others enables them to feel safe and secure during what is often a very stressful and difficult time. Kym is respectful and kind, and her warm and friendly demeanour helps not only orientate visitors to the ward, but contributes to their overall sense of personal wellbeing.”

Congratulations to Kym on this achievement and to all Caregivers of the Month from 2022.