Unit 3 at Broadmeadows Hospital reopened its doors this week, welcoming back their dedicated staff.

The unit closed in August last year so staff could assist with Northern Health’s COVID-19 response. Unit 3 staff were deployed to Wards 20, 22, 13 at Northern Hospital Epping, Kath Atkinson Wing and Wards 1 and 2 at Bundoora Centre.

Belinda Nash, Acting Site Director at Broadmeadows Hospital, said it was great to see Unit 3 open and vibrant.

“We are so proud of their contribution to Northern Hospital Epping and we are glad to see them return to Broadmeadows Hospital,” she said.

“Staff are glad to be home and are also enjoying the updated refurbishment. We are very thankful to Unit 3 staff for their hard work and dedication.”

“We would also like to welcome the new Nurse Unit Manager, Jochie Pantaleon.”

Jochie commenced at Northern Health in April and was asked to recruit more staff in time for the unit’s reopening.

“I was excited to meet all the new staff and reopen the ward. Words are not enough to actually thank the staff for their hard work. They sacrificed a lot during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and I must say, they deserve to be treated kindly and nicely,” she said.

“I would also like to thank Lucia Bento and the rest of the Broadmeadows Hospital staff for their warm welcome. They made me feel like I am one of them – I am supported, I belong.”

Staff undertook a smooth transition earlier this week to move patients into the unit, with assistance from Unit 1 at Broadmeadows Hospital.

“Thanks to the phenomenal work from Unit 1 in moving patients, but also with the multiple admissions. Thanks to the engineering team for ensuring the works were completed in time,” Belinda said.

Featured image: Unit 3 staff