Healing hands stretch forty years of helping patients

Westmead and Auburn hospital’s former physiotherapy director Maria Quinlivan has helped many patients in their recovery from illness or injury over a 40-year career span in health.

Maria has decided to call it a day and retire to spend more time with family, enjoy a new sea change and (hopefully one day) travel.

Her stalwart career started at St Vincent’s Hospital in 1980 where she spent four years in physiotherapy and after one year working at Gosford Hospital, soon realised that her passion was in Western Sydney.

The veteran was appointed to a physiotherapist position at Auburn Hospital in 1985 and by 2001 was appointed as Westmead Hospital physiotherapy director.

Maria has continued to lead the physiotherapy staff Westmead and Auburn Hospital’s, mentored and supervised hundreds of staff and been actively involved in the NSW Physiotherapy Allocation (Graduate) program.

“The physiotherapy profession makes a substantial contribution to healthcare across all clinical specialties,” Maria said.

“It’s inspiring to see the commitment of a number of Westmead Hospital physiotherapy staff who have embraced innovation and clinical research.

“I’m proud of the department’s successes over the years, including prize winning performances at the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Allied Health Research Forum and WSLHD Quality Awards.

“I have really loved my position over the years and it gave me the opportunity to contribute to the professional development of junior clinicians and also to the provision of healthcare in Western Sydney. I have valued the support and comradery with my peers, particularly the Allied Health managers and deputy managers past and present.

“I’m going to miss everyone dearly and the decision to retire was not an easy one.  I look forward to seeing us come out healthy and happy on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Best wishes Maria and enjoy your well-deserved retirement!

WSLHD Allied Health has launched its 2019-2022 Allied Health Strategic Plan. To view the plan, click here.