Honouring our long-serving Mater People

Natalie Allan and Nathan Cranidge first met 20 years ago when they started working at Mater Private Hospital Redland and have been firm work friends ever since.

The pair is among 10 members of staff at MPHRd who will be recognised for their long-lasting commitment to Mater when Long Service Awards celebrations are held next week.

Natalie, who began her career in endoscopy nursing and who now also works as a research nurse in Inflammatory Bowel Disease clinical trials, says making people feel comfortable at a vulnerable moment in their lives is what she loves most about her job.

“It’s about looking after the patients, especially when they come into the procedure room,” she said.

“They’re often quite frightened, so I work to ensure it is as relaxing an experience as possible, which I believe is most important.”

Nathan, who works across the hospital in Support Services including housekeeping, ward services, and being the residential handyman, said making a positive difference to people’s lives was the most fulfilling part of his job.

Entering the health industry from a prior career as a welder, Nathan said he knew he wanted to do something that involved looking after people.

“I didn’t know what it would be but fell into this job and I have loved it ever since,” he said.

“For me it is about the patient contact and knowing you are making a difference in people’s lives — it is very satisfying.”

Natalie and Nathan will be rewarded for their 20 years of service to Mater when they receive Long Service Awards during Mercy Week (19 – 25 September) next week.

Mercy Week is an annual opportunity to honour Mater’s founder Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy, and to shine a light on those staff members who demonstrate a deep and lasting commitment to continuing the legacy of delivering compassionate care and addressing unmet community need.

Mater People marking 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45-year milestones will be recognised at Mercy Week liturgies being held across the state where Long Service Awards will be presented.

Natalie and Nathan are looking forward to another 20 years at MPHRd.

“I’ve got another 20 years ahead of me, so I might make it to 40 years,” Nathan said. “If I continue through to retirement, I’ll be the longest serving person at the hospital as I was the youngest for many years when I first joined the team.”

Natalie said the team at Redland was like a family.

“We all know and support each other well, plus the team atmosphere is something else entirely — I want to keep my foot in the door,” she said.

Click here for more information on the 2022 Mater Long Service Awards.

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