Hospital in great health, 40 years on
ROYAL Darwin Hospital holds a lifetime of memories for clinical nurse Fiona Tomaszewski.
She was born at the hospital in 1984, completed her undergraduate placements and has now worked at RDH for 12 years.
Mrs Tomaszewski, like many others, felt privileged to celebrate RDH’s 40th anniversary in its halls.
“It’s part of our every day,” she said.
“You can see it in the skyline from Nightcliff Beach, you stand there with your kids and look over at the tower there and when you drive up it’s the first thing you see. I love being here. I love working in the Territory and it’s something special I’m really proud.”
RDH, originally named Casuarina Hospital, became the Top End’s main health provider after Darwin Hospital at Myilly Point was extensively damaged by Cyclone Tracy in 1974.
The new hospital at Casuarina became fully operational on May 20, 1980. In 1982 it was renamed Darwin Hospital, and finally Royal Darwin Hospital in 1984.
Mrs Tomaszewski hoped to see more Territorians pursue their medical careers at the hospital.
“The Territory is definitely unique in what we have to offer here,” she said.
“Our patient population is so diverse and we see a lot of stuff that other states don’t get to see. It’s just such a special place.”
Health Minister Natasha Fyles thanked everyone who contributed to RDH over the years for their services.
“It’s important that even though the anniversary took place during COVID-19, we acknowledge the hard work of staff during the coronavirus,” she said.
“But also acknowledge all those staff that have worked at RDH over 40 years, and all those that have given so much to see us have the health services we have.”