Fond nurse says heartfelt farewell to Blacktown Hospital after 34 years

The devastating loss of her young father in the Philippines was the reason Blacktown Hospital cardiology nurse unit manager Gloria Miranda dedicated her career to nursing and saving lives.

After migrating to Australia in 1984 Gloria secured a nursing role at St Joseph’s Hospital at Auburn.

In 1986, Gloria started working as a registered nurse in the orthopaedic ward at Blacktown Hospital, venturing into the medical and surgical wards years later.

Her passion, drive and commitment for caring for patients who had heart attacks and disease was something Gloria took pleasure in doing.

“Cardiology is not just caring for patients who have had heart attacks or disease – it’s about caring for the person as a whole,” Gloria said.

“Some of our patients had underlying issues or complications and we needed to manage all of their symptoms.”

The mother of two and grandmother has so many memories from when the hospital was in its infancy, has made hundreds of friends and helped thousands of patients and families have a second chance at life.

“In 1974 when my dad died, I was in the second year of high school and this is when I decided that I wanted to help people,” Gloria said.

“There were no catheter lab or special medications for heart disease in the Philippines at this time.

“It’s been a real privilege to work in such a busy world-class facility with the latest technology helping people of all ages with heart disease in Western Sydney. 

“I will miss the staff, patients and families who I developed friendships with over the years.

“I never imagined leaving this team of wonderful people, but it’s time for me to enjoy another passion in my life – my family.

Blacktown Hospital director of nursing and midwifery Danielle Levis said Gloria has made an impact on the heart and soul of the hospital and community.

“We will miss her dearly and thank her for her inspiring and contagious zest for nursing and caring for our patients,” Dani said.

After dedicating 15 years to the communities of Blacktown and Western Sydney we wish Gloria all the best in her next chapter of her life.