New leadership to take Ayr Health Service forward

Ayr Health Service will be taken into the future with the appointment of new director of nursing Tracey Gabiola.

Ms Gabiola is no stranger to the health service having acted in the position since April 2018 and said being appointed permanently to the position was a ‘lovely honour’.

“I am always proud to represent nursing and the profession of health care for our community,” Ms Gabiola said.

“I am looking forward to the busy task of working with other members of the team to identify how we can continue to meet the needs of our consumers.”

Ms Gabiola said she was eager to tackle the long-term challenges of the role.

“There are definitely challenges such as supporting aged persons to remain in their homes, their transition to aged care facilities and delivery of care to target bridging the gap initiatives for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. 

“Our community has numerous chronic and complex health conditions, but I am positive that the planning involved will identify models of care to provide high-quality service for the Burdekin into the future.”

Ms Gabiola said her time acting in the position had been important in preparing her to take the role on indefinitely.

“What has been particularly important has been the lessons of resilience and self-care,” she said.

“Life is hectic and if I want to perform to the best of my ability, I need to be mindful of prioritising tasks, delegating appropriately and managing work-life balance.”

Ms Gabiola said she had the utmost faith in the Ayr Health Service team.

“Our staff are exceptional and highly skilled,” she said.

“This does help with any anxieties I experience regarding my role.

“I am mindful that providing a service such as ours is very hard at times, but I witness commitment from people in every role, every day.”

Townsville Hospital and Health Service rural hospitals service group director Ruth Heather said she was delighted to appoint Ms Gabiola to the role.

“Tracey is well-connected to the Burdekin community and is passionate about delivering quality health care to those people,” she said.

“Her leadership marks a new era for the health service, and I know it will thrive with her at the helm.”