Melanie Tucker
Known as one of PAH’s most vibrant and reputable faces, Director of Business Delivery at Digital Health and Informatics (DHI) and beloved PAH careerist, Melanie Tucker is celebrating a milestone 40 years at the hospital this month.
Carving her career trajectory through a number of roles, Mel’s tenure hails back to 1983, where she started her general nursing training in the old hospital, and graduated with the award for Practical Student Nurse of the Year in 1986.
“That was the first of many career highlights, and I still hold it very dearly,” she said.
From there Mel dove headfirst into her nursing career, working as an RN across the Urology, Orthopaedics, and Burns and Plastics Units. Before long, she worked her way up the ranks, securing her position as Charge Nurse (now known as NUM) of the then-combined Gen Med, Gastroenterology, Drug and Alcohol and Rheumatology ward, M2.
After some years working across various wards, Mel sought out a new challenge and took on her first admin role.
“I was eventually offered the Director of Administration role in Corporate Services. I worked in Admin services for many great years and met the most wonderful people,” she said.
By 2015, Mel was approached by then-Chief Information Officer team and made the leap to DHI, where she has thrived ever since.
“I feel very content and fulfilled in this role. I can see some of the incredible opportunities for patients and staff in this digital age, and to be a part of this going from such different times 40 years ago, to now working toward a new future with digital health is exciting.”
Mel takes much pride in leading the DHI Business Delivery team, and says they are exemplary in their supportive role.
“My team are very committed and care about making a difference. While we aren’t on the frontline like many other teams at PAH, we all feel proud and work hard to play an important role in supporting the clinical staff and patients at all times,” she said.
Reflecting on her colourful tenure, Mel says she feels very privileged to have worked with and for the PAH community over the past four decades.
“You experience so much at PAH with people when they are so vulnerable and at some of the lowest points in their lives, and to have been a part of their care and support during my career has been extremely rewarding.”
After 40 adventure-filled years, Mel says her longevity at PAH and the relationships built in that time are her greatest achievement.
“For me, it’s really about all the wonderful people I’ve worked with and the lifelong friendships I’ve made over the 40 years. I feel a part of PAH and very loyal to the organisation,” she said.
“On my first day at PAH in 1983, one of the Matrons told us that ‘the friends we make today, will be your friends for life.’ My greatest friends have come from PAH, and I have continued to add to them over my PAH tenure.”
A testament to Mel’s philosophy, past and current colleagues surprised her with a party in celebration of her 40-year anniversary that was representative of the wide-reaching influence she continues to make across PAH.
Forty years on, Mel remains dedicated to her role, as well as serving as the current secretary of the PAH Past and Present Nurse’s Association and supporting the PAH Diamantina Health Care Museum. Looking ahead with total optimism for the future of DHI and PAH, Mel says she hopes to leave a legacy of friendship and kindness.
“Kindness and helping others will always be part of my being,” she said. “I would like to be remembered for being someone that truly loves people and looking after people – whether staff or patients – and that I support others, and hopefully think I am kind, friendly, and a bit funny too!”
Congratulations on this milestone achievement Mel, and thank you for your ongoing commitment to supporting the PAH community.