Seven decades of calming care

Breanna Eldridge was born for nursing.

The Grampians Health Care Community Manager at Dimboola has just racked up her 20th year of caring for residents and acute patients. The day she received her award, Breanna’s mother Susie Barber was also at the ceremony – not just as a proud parent but to be recognised for an incredible 50 years of service.

As the profile notes of mother and daughter were read out, you became instantly aware of a common theme – a working characteristic that has descended from mother to daughter. No matter the situation, they both have a natural propensity to remain calm and keep others calm during any crisis.

For a nurse, it is the ultimate predisposition and for Susie and Breanna, it has guided them through decades of compassionate service. Their colleagues will also tell you that both are very kind and caring – and are passionate about providing excellent health care for the Dimboola community.

Susie commenced her nursing training in 1975 at Horsham then worked her entire career at the Dimboola campus, starting when it was known as Dimboola Memorial Hospital. She worked on the wards and then in district nursing but for her last 30 years, she has been a practice nurse at the Medical Centre.

Susie said she loved caring for her local community and particularly enjoyed her time at the medical centre.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with many great doctors in my time, particularly the long-serving Dr John Pickering and Dr Peter Haslau,” Susie said.

“The biggest change I remember was going from working in our old hospital where babies, old people and surgery were all in the one area – then to start working in a brand new hospital and medical centre.

“I was so proud when Breanna announced she wanted to be a nurse, though she talked about it nearly all her childhood.

“It’s been wonderful having her nursing. I’m very proud of her, she’s achieved a lot and we are both very happy working in the Dimboola community. I hope she does it for 50 years like me.”

Breanna said her mum had most definitely been her inspiration.

“I’ve always looked up to her,” Breanna said.

“I admired the fact that she was so caring and involved in the community and I wanted to do the same.

“I used to visit her at work when I was a student and I worked alongside her in the medical clinic with my first job after school which was an administrative role, sorting medical records and the like.

“When she was a practice nurse, she had a good relationship with Dr Pickering and if they were performing a minor procedure they would invite me in to observe. She was always someone I could talk to, and she has been more like a best friend than a mother.”

Breanna began her training at Wimmera Base Hospital and worked in Oxley and then ICU while completing her Critical Care training. Breanna has nursed half her career at Horsham and the latter half at Dimboola where she not only share-manages the care community but also oversees the acute care unit.

Dimboola colleagues said Susie provided support and guidance to all the GPs and locum doctors at the medical centre. She dedicated herself to every nursing role, especially at the medical centre, with her extensive knowledge and practical skills.

She demonstrated a high level of care over 50 years and set a very high standard for her colleagues to follow.

According to Breanna’s fellow care community manager Amy Elliott, there is also a common theme outside of the working role for Susie and Breanna.

“They are both amazing cooks who love to entertain,” Amy said.