For more than three decades, Admin Officer April Drescher has been a familiar face and an invaluable source of compassion and care at QEII Hospital’s Ward 3A.
April began her journey at QEII 34 years ago, working across the hospital in relief and various roles before finding her home in Ward 3A.
“I love my 3A team; I love my role, and I love the palliative care side of things.”
Her colleagues affectionately call April The Boss, a title she embraces with humour and pride.
“I try to keep workflow moving, especially if there’s a bed move or a patient coming from another hospital. I make sure the room is clean, the bed is made, and everything is ready for them.”
Behind April's title lies a deep well of empathy that informs her role as a first point of contact for grieving families, offering both practical guidance and heartfelt support.
“A lot of grieving families come to me in that really difficult moment. Sometimes I give them hugs, sometimes we laugh. I help them understand the process of what happens when their loved one passes, and I try to show that compassion, just be there for them.”
34 years on, April says her favourite part of the job is still the rhythm of daily life on the ward.
“I love coming to work daily to see what may have happened overnight, getting the reports out, and finalising patient charts. We also have medical patients on our ward, so it’s really rewarding to see Palliative patients go home.”
With an extraordinary tenure under her belt, April’s longevity at QEII speaks volumes about the team culture she cherishes.
“I’ve seen many staff changes, a lot of renovations in my time. It’s just a big family here. You know everyone, you say hello, and everyone knows me.”
When asked what advice she would give to someone considering a career in palliative care, her answer is simple but profound.
“Be yourself and take it as it comes, because every day can be different.”
In a fitting tribute to her extraordinary contribution to QEII's palliative care unit, April was honoured with a shortlisted nomination for the 2025 Metro South Health People Focus Award this November.
“Just to be nominated is flattering. It hasn’t sunk in yet,” she said.
April’s story is a reminder that compassion, consistency, and a smile can make all the difference, not only to patients and families, but to the colleagues who see her as the glue that holds the team together.
Congratulations on this remarkable honour, April!