Many Monash Health staff will be saddened to hear of the passing of Susan Oates (Sue), who worked at Monash Health for 23 years.
Sue started at Monash Medical Centre (MMC) Intensive Care Unit in 1997 as a Registered Nurse and was an immediate force to be reckoned with, displaying devotion, compassion, empathy, love and respect to her patients, families and colleagues, exemplifying our Icare Values.
Sue joined the team at Casey Hospital when the Emergency Department opened in 2005 as an Associate Nurse Unit Manager and soon after became a dedicated, valued and respected member of the management team as a Nursing Coordinator and a member of the Peer Support Team, whereby Sue’s most recent presentation was on resilience.
Sue’s vocation and passion was nursing; displaying unwavering commitment to the nursing profession. Always supportive, encouraging, inspiring, mentoring and always with a smile. You never saw Sue without a smile, it was her beautiful trademark and anyone who knew Sue or met Sue for the first time would be put at ease by her infectious smile and her kindness.
Outside of work, Sue’s devotion was family. She also enjoyed travel, tennis and sailing. Sue was involved with the East Timor Society and a couple of her many achievements were Mayoress of Casey from 2003‐2004 and a ceremonious ribbon cutting with a lap of honour at Relay for Life in 2017.
However, Sue said her biggest joy, most precious and most valued achievement in life, was her son Christopher.
In the presence of family, Sue passed away peaceful on 6 October after a four‐year battle with terminal illness. Sue remained positive and selfless throughout; a truly remarkable woman.
Our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to Sue’s family, friends and colleagues.