Enrolled Nurse and QEII Hospital Ambassador Kay Groves has marked 50 remarkable years of service this September.
From humble beginnings in northern New South Wales to various stints at the then-Wynnum and Mater hospitals, Kay soon made her way to QEII Hospital, where she has dedicated herself to providing compassionate care for over 38 years.
After nearly four decades with the QEII team, Kay says it’s the hospital’s supportive team culture and her passion for patient-centred care that keeps her coming back.
“I've worked in most of the hospital wards over the 50 years. I work with a diverse group of people, very knowledgeable, very caring and respectful, and we look after our patients holistically,” she said.
Kay’s incredible half-century of service was celebrated at QEII’s Length of Service Awards on 30 September in a heartwarming ceremony.
“It's very humbling to accept the award today, but I just credit all that to the colleagues I have around me. It's a lovely group of people that I work with and my patients. It keeps you coming to work every day,” she said.
“I’m very fortunate to still be working, and when I see patients much younger than me, I count myself very lucky. I’ve had a very good life and I have good health and a good mind.”
Kay’s home Ward 5B Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) Lucy Ludkin, and previous NUM (Ward 2A), Darren Messina shared some words of appreciation, capturing Kay’s remarkable contribution to the hospital over the decades.
“Kay is exactly the kind of nurse you would wish to look after you and your loved ones. Every single day, her attention to detail and care for her patients is nothing short of perfect,” Lucy said.
“As a senior nurse, her compassion and passion for her work are truly inspiring. She is a pillar of strength on the ward, incredibly hard working, resilient and always the first to offer a helping hand to her colleagues.”
Darren said Kay embodies the very essence of nursing.
“Her patients and their families are always at the centre of everything she does, and a very close second was the genuine care and affection she has for her team – no matter which team she is part of.
“She invests in the people around her, and I’m sure many of us have been fortunate enough to experience that firsthand,” shared Darren.
Congratulations to Kay on an incredible tenure, and thank you for your continued dedication to the QEII community.