Kylie Wydell, Clinical Nurse and Stomal Therapist, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Buderim Private Hospital’s Elsa Wilson Award.
Named after the founder of the hospital, the Elsa Wilson Award will be presented annually to recognise a member of staff who goes above and beyond to uphold the hospital’s values of working together, respect, justice, compassion and leading through learning.
Karen Clark, General Manager, said all the monthly winners of the hospital’s award program were considered for the award and the hospital Leadership Team had the difficult task of voting on the overall winner to receive the Elsa Wilson Award.
“Well done to every person who was nominated as they are all incredibly deserving however I would like to pass on special congratulations to Kylie who received the Elsa Wilson Award in recognition of always being compassionate and supportive and willing to share her wealth of knowledge,” Karen said.
Kylie said she was both surprised and excited to receive the award and is looking forward to sharing the news with her family, colleagues and patients.
“I accepted the award on behalf of all the patients I have cared for here at Buderim Private Hospital over the past seven years,” Kylie said.
“My patients have chronic wounds and stomas and it’s really comforting to be part of their journey to help them get better and make a difference to their life.”
“It is a shame that all my amazing colleagues who were finalists can’t also be rewarded but we are all rewarded by working here and having the privilege of caring for patients,” she said.
Kylie was presented with her award by Michael Krieg, Executive Director of UnitingCare Hospitals, Karen Clark, and Elsa Wilson’s daughter, Heid Blair.
“My mother would be very proud to know that her name is being used to honour exemplary care and service at Buderim Private Hospital and I felt very proud to stand in her stead to present the award,” Heidi said.
Established in 1980, Buderim Private Hospital was the brainchild of Mrs Elsa Wilson, who felt her husband, a local GP, and his patients should not have to travel to Nambour for hospitalisation.
Unfortunately, Mrs Wilson passed away from cancer in 1982 shortly after the hospital opening. As a tribute to the remarkable woman, the hospital now stands on ‘Elsa Wilson Drive.’
As part of UnitingCare, the Buderim Private Hospital is owned by the Uniting Church and is the only not-for-profit provider of private hospital services on the Sunshine Coast.