Honoured by dual awards: Gwen Ketchell. Photo: Supplied.
A respected Torres Strait Islander leader who has dedicated more than 40 years to the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) has been recognised with the top honour at a recent awards presentation.
Thursday Island operational services manager Gwen Ketchell received the TCHHS Values Award and Chief Executive Award during the inaugural TCHHS Awards for Excellence on Monday 24 November.
Mrs Ketchell began her career as a cleaner at Thursday Island Hospital in the early 1980s and has worked her way up to lead the operations team, which oversees essential functions including the hospital kitchen and cleaning.
Thursday Island Hospital has been an innovator in this area with the facility working with community in 2023 to introduce culturally dedicated items to the hospital menu.
A mother-of-two, Ms Ketchell said she was honoured and humbled to receive the award.
“I want to thank my team who support me every day,” she said.
“I’ve seen a lot of changes at the hospital but still enjoy coming to work every day and supporting my community.”
TCHHS chief executive Rex O’Rourke said the awards were established to recognise the outstanding contributions of staff and teams across the health service.
“We are privileged to have an incredible workforce, from our operational staff who keep our facilities safe and functioning, to our doctors, nurses and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers committed to providing culturally safe, high-quality care every day,” he said.
“I am very proud to honour some of these exceptional staff, and I congratulate all the award recipients.
“The winner of our Chief Executive Award, Gwen Ketchell, exemplifies everything TCHHS stands for. She is deeply committed to her communities, delivers impeccable service, and leads with strength, humility and care for her team.”
TCHHS Awards for Excellence winners –
Care Delivery: Oral Health Team and Travel Team
Better Health Together: Michaela Pacini (Maternal, Child and Family Clinical Midwife Consultant)
Transforming Health Care: Lynda Marshall (Clinical Nurse Diabetes Education) and the Best Practice Optimisation Project
TCHHS Values: Gwen Ketchell (Operational Service Manager)
Leading with Purpose: Michaela Milner (Risk and Compliance Advisor)
Chief Executive Award: Gwen Ketchell
