Mrs Patricia Heath – A Legacy Woven Into the Fabric of Care
A nurse. A philanthropist. An advocate. A volunteer. A pioneer.
These are just a few of the roles Mrs Patricia Heath OAM has played in shaping Geelong. Her influence runs deep, in culture, in service, and in the spirit of giving that defines Barwon Health.
In a world where quiet leadership can sometimes go unnoticed, Mrs Heath stands as a powerful example of one person’s enduring commitment. Her remarks at the Barwon Health volunteers breakfast earlier this year, were a personal reflection of the lasting difference one determined leader can make.
Mrs Heath noted that it was her first public speech in almost a decade and she commanded a room of more than 100 volunteers with warmth, clarity, and conviction. Her presence, like her impact, remains formidable.
In 1968 when Mrs Heath joined the board of Geelong Hospital it was a proud country hospital. Today, that hospital is University Hospital Geelong and one of the largest tertiary regional health services in Australia. With relentless advocacy and community vision Mrs Heath was at the centre of its growth, serving as Board Chair from 1979 to 2000.
Her leadership is etched into Barwon Health with the Patricia Heath Wing proudly named in her honour in 1986. Her journey began in nursing, with her training at the Melbourne School of Nursing, and was shaped by an era when married women were expected to leave the workforce. This meant Mrs Heath turned to board roles advocacy, fundraising and championing women’s health.
She insisted that funds raised by women be used for women’s services. She also pioneered Barwon Health’s volunteer program seeing volunteers as essential contributors to compassionate care. This is a legacy of philanthropy and volunteerism that enhances the experience people have with Barwon Health.
Leaders like Mrs Patricia Heath have a legacy that lives on in Barwon Health and benefits the Greater Geelong community in many ways.
The next time you see or hear ‘Patricia Heath Wing’, think of Mrs Patricia Heath. A nurse, philanthropist, advocate, volunteer - a true pioneer and what a remarkable legacy.
Zoe Waters
Executive Director
Barwon Health Foundation
A nurse. A philanthropist. An advocate. A volunteer. A pioneer.
These are just a few of the roles Mrs Patricia Heath OAM has played in shaping Geelong. Her influence runs deep, in culture, in service, and in the spirit of giving that defines Barwon Health.
In a world where quiet leadership can sometimes go unnoticed, Mrs Heath stands as a powerful example of one person’s enduring commitment. Her remarks at the Barwon Health volunteers breakfast earlier this year, were a personal reflection of the lasting difference one determined leader can make.
Mrs Heath noted that it was her first public speech in almost a decade and she commanded a room of more than 100 volunteers with warmth, clarity, and conviction. Her presence, like her impact, remains formidable.
In 1968 when Mrs Heath joined the board of Geelong Hospital it was a proud country hospital. Today, that hospital is University Hospital Geelong and one of the largest tertiary regional health services in Australia. With relentless advocacy and community vision Mrs Heath was at the centre of its growth, serving as Board Chair from 1979 to 2000.
Her leadership is etched into Barwon Health with the Patricia Heath Wing proudly named in her honour in 1986. Her journey began in nursing, with her training at the Melbourne School of Nursing, and was shaped by an era when married women were expected to leave the workforce. This meant Mrs Heath turned to board roles advocacy, fundraising and championing women’s health.
She insisted that funds raised by women be used for women’s services. She also pioneered Barwon Health’s volunteer program seeing volunteers as essential contributors to compassionate care. This is a legacy of philanthropy and volunteerism that enhances the experience people have with Barwon Health.
Leaders like Mrs Patricia Heath have a legacy that lives on in Barwon Health and benefits the Greater Geelong community in many ways.
The next time you see or hear ‘Patricia Heath Wing’, think of Mrs Patricia Heath. A nurse, philanthropist, advocate, volunteer - a true pioneer and what a remarkable legacy.
Zoe Waters
Executive Director
Barwon Health Foundation
