Cathy is a clinical nurse specialist women’s health with the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) and is a familiar face in Deniliquin, where she has provided care to local women for nine years.
Working in women’s health brings Cathy enormous satisfaction.
“We bring healthcare to a broad range of women within the MLHD, with a particular focus on those women who experience health inequities,” she said.
“We run clinics throughout MLHD, performing cervical screens, breast awareness, advice on contraception, menopause, puberty, menstruation and pelvic floor and support with pregnancy options.
“A typical week for me might involve a mix of talking, driving, running clinics, promoting clinics, phone calls, following up with our consumers, meetings, education and, at times, lots of laughs.
“I work with a wonderful team, who all love helping women become more empowered.”
Cathy took up her role in February 1988, having spent six years in the busy emergency department of a Sydney hospital.
“Over that time, I had observed the disadvantage many women were experiencing, not only health, but socially and financially, so when a position for a women's health nurse in the town I grew up became available, I thought it would be a way to try and make a difference,” she said.
“Growing up, I had cousins who became nurses and that influenced my decision to start a nursing career, and it was a great decision. I love what I do.”
While Cathy may love her job, she is now planning for some time off and retirement.
For Cathy, this means more time with her family, some hard work in the garden and travel overseas.
“The one message I would like to share with all women is: you are always capable of more than you think and to follow your intuition, as it is usually right,” she said.
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