After an outstanding career with Monash Health spanning over 30 years, Kym Forrest will be retiring at the end of September.
Chief Executive, Professor Andrew Stripp, acknowledged Kym’s significant contribution to Monash Health and Monash Children’s Hospital, in particular. “Kym is known for fostering the growth and development of our people, establishing the welcoming workplace culture at Monash Children’s Hospital and her unwavering commitment to patient care.
“I want to thank Kym for all she’s given to our people and our health service and wish her the best for a fulfilling retirement.”
Kym has worn many hats in her career at Monash Health, which began in 1991 at Prince Henry’s Hospital. She has held multiple senior nursing professional and operational leadership roles across our health service.
Kym was Project Director during the design, planning and commissioning of the Monash Children’s Hospital, where she is now General Manager.
The focus on best practice was embedded from the start. Sue Liersch, Acting General Manager of the Women’s and Newborn Program says, “When they were building Monash Children’s Hospital (MCH), Kym travelled to other hospitals around the country to see what best practice for children’s care looked like.”
“She’s efficient and has very high expectations. Patients have always been the absolute priority.” Sue says.
Director of Nursing at MCH, Trish Dito added, “As a manager, Kym lets you be innovative. She trusts that you’ll do your job and keep her informed along the way. She stretches you, and challenges you in a supportive learning environment.”
She’s also well known for never missing a chance to dress up. “Kym’s young at heart, so she’s very supportive and always gets involved,” Trish says.
Kym has led many successful initiatives across our adult, maternity, and paediatric services. She led the commissioning of two new theatres at the Cranbourne Integrated Care Centre, established the Day Admission Unit at MMC, and progressed nursing professional practice through the implementation of Nurse Practitioner roles across multiple adult and maternity services.
“For MCH and the whole children’s program, she set the boundaries and she set the culture,” says Janine Maloney, Nurse Manager at the MCH Same Day Unit. “She’s made it an enjoyable place to come to work each day, where we get through challenges together. She’s set it up so well, the foundations are there for whoever takes over.”
Kym has also shared her knowledge on multiple external and state-led committees, including the inaugural Monash Children’s Hospital School Council and the State Kid Safe Advisory Committee.
“Kym leaves a phenomenal legacy behind,” says Trish Dito, “We will definitely miss her.”
Retirement from Monash Health will allow Kym time for her many other interests.
Kym has been formally accepted as a GAP (Greyhound Adoption Program) Enrichment Volunteer. Enrichment Volunteers provide vital socialisation and enrichment activities for greyhounds housed in GAP kennels while they wait to be adopted.
Kym’s friends and colleagues wish her all the best in all the exciting adventures she has ahead of her.
Thank you, Kym Forrest, for your contributions to all of us at Monash Health!
Approved by Martin Keogh
