Armidale nurses rewarded for Hunter storm effort

3 December 2007

Wind speeds reached 124 kilometres per hour, more than 300 millimetres of rain fell in many areas, there was a 17.95-metre surf swell, and tragically nine people lost their lives.

Emergency and health services kicked into full swing as the Queen’s Birthday long weekend storms devastated the Hunter and Central Coast region.

Four nurses from Armidale were among those pulling together to help the Hunter community through this harrowing experience.

Adele Brownlow, Matt Krug, Chris Barnden and Gwen Sutton will be rewarded for their efforts when they’re presented with a special NSW Government medal on Tuesday 4 December.

The Armidale nurses came at short notice to help in the relief effort and worked shifts at Maitland, Singleton and Kurri Kurri hospitals to make sure there were adequate staffing levels to continue much-needed health services.

General Manager of Tamworth and Armidale Hospitals Mr Fergus Fitzsimons will present the nurses with a Government of NSW Medal for Service – Emergency Recovery and Response – 2007 Hunter and Central Coast Storms on Tuesday.

“I’m particularly proud of our Armidale staff who spent time away from their families and headed to the Hunter region to help out,” Mr Fitzsimons said.

“It’s pleasing to see staff from the New England part of our Health Service helping out our colleagues from the Hunter to provide an excellent standard of health care in the Hunter’s time of crisis.”

Hunter New England Health’s Disaster Response Co-ordinator Mr Chris Kewley recognised the efforts of all staff involved in the disaster response.

“Our staff worked tirelessly to provide emergency services and support over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend storms,” Mr Kewley said.

“The efforts of many went well beyond normal duties and provided vital support for the community of Newcastle and the Hunter. It really was an amazing effort and I extend my congratulations to everyone involved.”

The four Armidale nurses are among 330 other Hunter New England Health staff to receive the medal for their efforts in the disaster response.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY: General Manager of Tamworth and Armidale Hospitals Mr Fergus Fitzsimons will present the four Armidale nurses with their medals at 10am on Tuesday 4 December in the Armidale Hospital Cafeteria. Media are welcome to attend.

Contact: Nick Hansen

Phone: 49214918