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GPH oncology nurse recognised in Private Hospital Awards

7 April 2011

Greenslopes Private Hospital is delighted that Breast Care Nurse, Kerri Phillips Smith has been announced as the winner of the APHA Valuing Private Hospitals Staff Awards for Quality, Excellence & Innovation for an Individual in a Clinical role.

Kerri was one of three finalists in the category that recognises clinical staff who have excelled in the provision of clinical treatment and demonstrated excellence in patient care. As the winner of this award, Kerri received $10,000 in prize money thanks to the award sponsors, HESTA Super Fund.

Kerri's passion for excellent patient care led to the introduction of the breast care nurse role at Greenslopes Private Hospital to support and guide breast cancer patients through their treatment. Kerri was so passionate about this service that she initially commenced this role unofficially and in her own time. She saw the need for the role from hearing about patients' experiences when she met with them later in their breast cancer journey whilst receiving chemotherapy in the Cyril Gilbert Cancer Centre where she is based.

The breast care service was introduced and aimed to provide education and support to patients and their families from the time of their first specialist appointment. The goal was to increase the quality of the service provided to patients undergoing breast surgery and with Kerri as the driving force the patients experience began to change. It was acknowledged that without Kerri's enthusiasm for this service we would have been unable to get off the ground in being able to address the emotional and psychological needs of the patient.

The role commenced on a part time basis and was adjusted according to patient numbers. Feedback from patients and medical staff accessing the service has been extremely positive and the role is now firmly embedded in the services at Greenslopes Private Hospital with Kerri continuing to be the driving force for all things breast.

Kerri was presented with her award on Monday 4 April at a special presentation attended by Chris Rex, Managing Director of Ramsay Health Care & President APHA.