A much-loved Redlands City surgical nurse and mum of three has been recognised for providing care and comfort to patients for 15 years at Mater.
Mount Cotton’s Ann Bennion received a Mater Long Service Award on Thursday recognising the 15 years of service she has dedicated to her patients and her “work family”.
Mrs Bennion, 50, said she enjoyed working at the hospital and was attached to the ethos and values of Mater.
“I just absolutely love the culture at Mater. I love how the values align with my values,” Mrs Bennion said.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Mrs Bennion said in 2007 her family was one of the first to be sponsored by Mater to work at the hospital.
“It’s been 15 years since my husband and I left the United Kingdom. I was working as a nurse over there and have loved the opportunity to work here.
“When I started at Mater Private Hospital Redland it was like we were one close family, everyone supported each other and it hasn’t changed.”
Mrs Bennion, who is also a Team Leader, said no two working days were the same.
“It’s a very busy surgical ward, but I love working here,” she said.
“I assist with all types of surgeries - from colorectal and esophagectomies - to seeing patients with rugby ball-sized cysts.
“I help breast cancer patients, and patients who are undergoing gall bladder removal – it’s a bit of everything really.
“I worked on Ward 10N for 10 years at Mater Private Hospital in South Brisbane where I cared for patients having esophagectomies and then moved to Redlands in 2018.”
Mrs Bennion said it was satisfying seeing patients recover and return to their homes.
“Some of our patients can be here for up three weeks,” she said. “Once they head home we know we’ve done a good job and that’s special.”
Mrs Bennion said she was very proud of her time at Mater and plans to stay until she retires.
Mater Private Hospital Redland Clinical Nurse Manager Ellie Grieve, who also received a 20-year service Long Service Award, said Mrs Bennion’s award reflected her hard work and commitment to Mater.
“Ann’s positivity, patience and helpful nature is truly inspiring to her fellow colleagues,” Ms Grieves said.