Gosford Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse, Julie Donaldson of Terrigal, has been acknowledged in the Australian Parliament in Canberra by Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid MP, following her retirement.
Donaldson has been a nurse for more than 40 years, starting her training in 1976 and commenced as a registered nurse in 1979.
She started working in the Gosford Hospital ICU in 1989 and has continued to work in this role up to the present day and her retirement.
During her time at Gosford Hospital, Donaldson was responsible for establishing the baby basket for babies who started their lives in the ICU.
She also initiated the 100 Club, which aims to support multiple charities on the Central Coast and across Australia.
“Julie is truly an outstanding local nurse, who has dedicated her working life to caring for our community,” Reid said.
“She always provided outstanding care and assistance to patients in the ICU.
“Never losing composure, she was unfaltering and confronted any challenge with perseverance and a sense of calmness.
“Often a source of wisdom and knowledge, Julie would be sought out by doctors and colleagues for advice on all manner of circumstances.
“A facilitator of further training and education for fellow nurses, she was always looking for ways to strengthen the profession and build up the skills of her colleagues.
“A truly selfless public servant, always putting others first and never seeking recognition for all the amazing work that she has undertaken, Julie is the personification of humility and an inspiration to many who have known her and have worked alongside her.
“She has set the bar high, and I know that our community will miss her dearly in her retirement,” Reid said.
He presented Donaldson with a certificate of transcript of his speech at a special afternoon tea at Gosford Hospital with her colleagues.