Gerberas galore at Western Sydney hospitals for #IWD2020

Westmead Hospital’s chief medical officer A/Prof Ros Crampton with emergency department staff Adamina, Brenda, Emma, Danielle and A/General Manager Westmead Hospital, Robynne Cooke.

It was all smiles when visitors, staff and patients were greeted with a flower each as they entered hospitals across Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) this morning.

Blacktown Hospital: Brett Gardiner, Joan Mercieca, Daphne Pereira, Rekha Budhathoki and Ned Katrib.

Ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, senior leaders presented a bright pink gerbera to hundreds of ladies, and to those wishing to pay it forward to other women.

Blacktown Hospital administration officers Suther Jhankhana and Tanaja Shipley.

People were greeted with warm wishes and words of appreciation for their contributions to society.

A photo of the gerberas courtesy of The Flower Crew.
Cumberland Hospital staff: Tushar Mital, Bill Brakoulias, Warwick Lahner, Rumbi Muzirwa (sitting) Leesa Hockley, Nicole Murray, Vanessa Ortiz, Rebecca Hottes.

A Westmead Hospital visitor complimented staff on the initiative.

Amelia Oztopcu and Kira Quinnell at Westmead Hospital.

“This is such an unexpected surprise! I see everyone smiling and saying nice words to each other. What a great start of the day,” the visitor said.

Westmead Hospital nursing staff Adamina, Brenda, Emma and Danielle.
Bill Brakoulias with Fran, Manasi, Rhonda and Ashleigh at Cumberland Hospital.

With the theme of this year’s celebration being “an equal world is an enabled world”, it provided an opportunity to reflect on the importance of gender equality in every area, from staff recruitment and recognition to leadership opportunities.

Mandy Wang. Serena Giga and Danielle Levis at Blacktown Hospital.

WSLHD chief executive Graeme Loy sent a message to all staff members encouraging them to challenge stereotypes, avoid bias, broaden perceptions, and celebrate women’s achievements.

Spreading the love across mental health: Geoffrey Haines, Heather Parsons, BoiHong Huynh and Mark Palmer.

“Gender equality is essential for organisations, communities and economies to thrive,” Graeme said.

Westmead Hospital love birds Jim and Jenny from the emergency department.

“Individually, our thoughts, conversations and actions each day can help create a gender equal world.

Maria Piper, Jacqui Turner and Danielle Levis.

“On behalf of the Executive team, Happy International Women’s Day to all of the wonderful women we are privileged to work with in Western Sydney.”

The female members of the WSLHD executive: Jacqueline Dominish, Sia Anthopoulos, Caroline Farmer, Luci Caswell, Tiffany Sly and Emma McCahon.