Debra Buchanan, After Hours Nurse Manager, has been named the 2023 recipient of the Buderim Private Hospital Elsa Wilson Award.
Named after the founder of the hospital, the Elsa Wilson Award is 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.
Shane Mitchell, 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 challenging task of voting on the overall winner to receive the Elsa Wilson Award.
“Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to every person who was nominated as they are all incredibly deserving however I would like to pass on special congratulations to Debra who received the 2023 Elsa Wilson Award in recognition of for being supportive and helpful to her colleagues, generous in sharing her knowledge and expertise, and for always being positive and pleasant,” Shane said.
Debra said receiving the award was a highlight of her 35 years+ service at Buderim Private Hospital.
“I feel so humbled to be recognised among so many other members of such a wonderful team who come to work to try so hard and give so much every day,” Debra said.
“It’s very special to receive this award named after the founder of our hospital, Elsa Wilson. If it wasn’t from her, we wouldn’t have a hospital so I feel a little emotional and very proud,” she said.
“As I come to the end of my career, I think this award is the icing on the cake and will inspire me even more to come to work each day and consider how I can make things better for everyone.”
Debra was presented with her award by General Manager, Shane Mitchell, and Elsa Wilson’s son, Duncan Wilson, and daughter, Heidi Blair.
“My mother would be very proud to know that her name is being used to honour outstanding care and service at Buderim Private Hospital and I felt very proud to be able 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.