80 years of 'deep connections'

Perth's Bethesda Health Care is celebrating 80 years of caring for Western Australians.

Opening in 1943 with just 14 beds, Bethesda is now an 86-bed surgical and specialist palliative care hospital with nine operating theatres, and a community palliative care service, while it has also launched a mental health clinic in Cockburn.

CEO Dr Neale Fong said it had been a privilege to be part of an organisation that cared for so many people.

"We are thrilled to be celebrating this milestone with previous staff members, including one of our original directors of nursing, our surgeons and wonderful staff, and all the individuals and groups that have supported Bethesda through both good and difficult times," he said.

The anniversary was commemorated at the hospital's annual Celebration Day, which recognises the achievements of the organisation and employees' loyalty.

This year, 34 staff were acknowledged for their length of service totaling more than 400 years' service.

Chef Steven Taylor has been with Bethesda for 30 years, contributing to its reputation for delicious patient meals.

Surgical ward manager Sally Winfield and hotel services manager Rohitha Siriwardena were, in a hospital first, jointly awarded the Matron Beryl Hill Exemplary Professional Practice Award – named after its founder, who opened the original community facility in partnership with a local church in Subiaco.

Ms Winfield and Mr Siriwardena are both dedicated staff members who played vital roles in keeping the hospital – which later moved to its present site in the suburb of Claremont – and wider community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guest speaker at the anniversary celebration was West Coast Eagles ruckman Nic Naitanui, who spoke about his positive experiences with the caregivers at Bethesda and about the importance of their role in the community.

Claremont Mayor Jock Barker also attended, alongside Church of Christ members – paying homage to Bethesda's foundation as a faith-based organisation – board members, staff, surgeons, volunteers, and community partners.

"It's humbling to see our community come together, this year new and old, for such a great celebration in support of Bethesda," Dr Fong said.

"We are deeply connected to the area and have confidence that these connections can go on another 80 years."

Read more: Perth's new mental health clinic opens

Read more: Award affirms 'patient happiness' link

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