Lorraine is no stranger to hospitals – both inside the operating theatre and behind the scenes of major infrastructure projects. With a career spanning more than four decades across clinical and non-clinical settings, along with various leadership roles along the way, Lorraine brings a wealth of experience to the table. Her deep understanding of clinical practice, combined with direct involvement in infrastructure planning, positions her as a driving force in shaping a new Bundaberg Hospital that’s not only fit-for-purpose, but designed with heart.
Tell us about your career journey so far.
My nursing career began with hospital-based, on-the-job training at Ipswich General Hospital. After graduating, I joined the spinal injuries unit at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, working as a new graduate nurse. I later completed advanced training in mental health and worked as a mental health nurse at the John Oxley Memorial Hospital. I continued my journey at John James Hospital in Canberra, before returning to Queensland taking on a statewide role with the Royal College of Nursing. As a professional officer, I travelled extensively across the state delivering conferences and workshops to support nursing professionals. Later, I moved to Townville and worked as a perioperative educator, followed by leadership roles at QEII Hospital as Nurse Unit Manager of the Operating Suite, acting Nursing Director roles and then as Director of Corporate Services.
In 2023, I made the big move to Bundaberg to take on the position as the Nursing Director Clinical Service Planning for the new Bundaberg Hospital project.
What about your involvement in health projects?
I’ve worked across a wide spectrum of health infrastructure projects – from helping to design theatres and wards to designing and commissioning new emergency departments, car parks and pathology labs. My experience spans clinical, back-of-house, and digital systems, including ICU refurbishments, IT (including ieMR), chlorine dosing plants, and pandemic response infrastructure. I was also involved in the back of house design for the new satellite hospitals. I’ve contributed to national healthcare infrastructure planning through active involvement in Australasian Health Facility Guidelines working groups, helping shape standards that guide hospital design across Australia.
What does your current role entail?
My role involves providing high-level leadership advice and coordinating all infrastructure clinical planning requirements. A key focus is engaging our clinicians to embrace innovation, research and new models of care that reflect contemporary best practice.
It’s also very important to engage stakeholders from diverse clinical, non-clinical and consumer backgrounds to establish a layered approach and viewpoint to support the project. I’m committed to fostering effective interprofessional team functioning and promoting evidence-based practice to help create a best-practice clinical environment.
What’s your immediate focus at the moment?
Right now, designing and building the best hospital we can because one day, I’ll probably be using it myself. Having worked in metropolitan areas, I know what’s available out there, and I want to make sure this region has the same opportunity up here, so I’m drawing on the experience I’ve gathered from many other projects I’ve been involved with over the years.
How do you think you’ll feel once the hospital and finished and fully operational?
Spent – and ready for retirement! But in all seriousness, I’ll feel proud. A project like this becomes part of your everyday life; it’s a bit like raising a child and watching it grow and blossom.
What are your favourite design features of the new Bundaberg Hospital?
One of the best features of this new hospital design is the visual outlook from every patient bedroom onto landscaped surroundings and the perfect view of the incredible sunsets that Bundaberg has to offer. We’ve also adopted a toe-to-toe bed configuration in the two-bedroom shared rooms so that both patients can enjoy the same uplifting view.
What do you think this project will mean for the community?
It’s a phoenix rising from the ashes. Just like the mythical golden bird, the new hospital symbolises renewal and regeneration – an embodiment of hope, life, and better things to come.
What excites you most about seeing the hospital come to life?
It will bring a sense of renewed vitality, energy and spirit to Bundaberg. For many consumers, it will become a central part of their lives. While not every moment of their hospital journey will be easy, the sense of community and comradery will be stronger than ever. It’ll be a meeting place, where people come together not only for treatment, but for support and connection.
Lastly, how do you keep healthy and happy?
I enjoy spending quality time after work in the garden with my fur babies, soaking in my pool spa and feeding the human and wildlife visitors.