It hasn’t taken long for the Women’s and Children’s Services team to make an impression on Dr Kendall George.
Since joining LBHS as Women’s and Children’s (W&C) Service Line Director in mid-August, Kendall said she had been struck by how warmly she had been welcomed and by the energy across the service.
“I can see the team is passionate about the care and services they provide, and there is a real sense of forward momentum and collaboration,” she said.
It’s a strong first impression for someone who brings more than three decades of nursing experience, including 24 years as a midwife, and extensive executive leadership experience across women’s and children’s health.
Kendall holds a PhD and is an Adjunct Associate Professor with James Cook University, with a strong commitment to research, workforce development, innovation and contemporary models of care.
As she settles into her new role, Kendall said she was keen to connect with staff across the service and learn from their diverse perspectives and experiences.
While their roles and career journeys may differ, she said the team shared a passion for healthcare and providing the best possible care for women, babies, children and families.
Kendall said own career was sparked by a fascination with biology, birth, babies and mothering, and a desire to support women and families through vulnerable and transformative periods of their lives.
And, after many years in the professions, she said human connection remained one of the most rewarding parts of nursing and midwifery.
“My favourite thing about nursing and midwifery is deep human connection and the ability to use knowledge and skills to improve experiences and outcomes,” she said.
As W&C Service Line Director, Kendall said her goal was to work alongside staff, consumers and the community to strengthen safe, high-quality and equitable care for women, babies, children and families.
“This is an exciting period of growth for the service, and I am particularly looking forward to supporting clinicians to provide exceptional care, strengthening clinical governance, supporting and developing our workforce, and contributing to the Logan Hospital Expansion Program.
“I’m really looking forward to working with the team and building on the excellent work already underway.”