News

Changing of the guard at hospital advisory board

Tue, 19 Apr 2016 06:39:00

THREE new members have been appointed to Mildura Base Hospital’s Community Advisory Board, and will serve under the leadership of a newly-elected chair.

Kathy Carusella, Jemmes Handy and Tara Williams have joined the advisory board, while Gayle Danson has taken over the reins as Chair from the long-serving Vernon Knight.

“Kathy, Jemmes and Tara are welcome additions to the Community Advisory Board and, together with existing members, they will help ensure our Board is well-equipped to serve the hospital and our community,” Mrs Danson said.

Kathy is an accountant, who works for Crowe Horwarth Murray Darling, and is heavily involved in the community through her sporting, youth and cultural interests.  Jemmes is a long-serving director at Mallee District Aboriginal Services and has worked as an Aboriginal Liaison officer in the past at Mildura Base Hospital (MBH) and currently with Victoria Police.  Tara is a lecturer at the La Trobe Rural Health School’s Mildura Campus and a mentor for local nursing students, and currently undertaking a Masters of Public Health.
Kathy, Jemmes and Tara join existing Community Advisory Board members Gayle Danson, Sister Marion McDonald and Assoc. Prof. Fiona Wright, Gerald Purchase and John Tesoriero
Mrs Danson, who was elected Chair of the advisory board at its recent meeting, says the new role is both exciting and challenging.
“It’s very humbling to take over the role when Vernon decided to step down,” she said.
“Vern has given eight years to the board, and has been such a huge contributor to the wellbeing of our community in both his working life and his voluntary involvements, so I have some big shoes to fill!”
The MBH Community Advisory Board is responsible for coordinating community involvement in the hospital, representing community views and expectations. Members must also remain informed about hospital performance and governance.
Mrs Danson said the Community Advisory Board will continue to support and encourage hospital staff and their work, while also promoting opportunities for local residents to become involved with hospital auxiliaries or volunteer groups.
“I am passionate about community involvement and using my skills and knowledge to improve outcomes for our community,” Mrs Danson said.
“I am looking forward to us promoting more volunteer groups and creation of hospital auxiliaries, which give more opportunities for community members to be directly involved in the hospital.”