The Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Nursing Development Scholarship was created in 2009 by the Auxiliaries’ Executive Committee to advance the fine talent of nurses at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) and to ensure that the hospital continues to be at the forefront of world-class practice.
Dame Elisabeth generously gave her name to this scholarship in perpetuity. Each year, the scholarship allows one outstanding nurse to enhance their skills and experience by exploring innovative practices and models of care across Australia and internationally.
It was fantastic to be together in person once again for this year’s event, especially in this, the RCH Auxiliaries’ centenary year.
Current Scholarship recipient, Eloise Borello (centre) with previous recipients Dr Sharon Kinney, Sonja Elia, Melissa Heywood, Eloise, Bianca Devsam and Tania Ramos.
The luncheon was an opportunity to recognise, celebrate and support the development of an incredibly passionate, dedicated and selfless group of professionals – RCH nurses – while commemorating Dame Elisabeth’s ongoing legacy.
During the event, guests heard from this year’s scholarship, clinical nurse consultant, Eloise Borello. Eloise gave an insightful presentation into her work, and how, through the support of the scholarship, she is working to improve the current model of treatment for children requiring intravenous access. Eloise demonstrated how these important changes are crucial not just for the patients, but to their parents and families.
They were also delighted with a presentation from Bernadette McDonald, Chief Executive Officer, the RCH, about her vision for the future of the hospital and how the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Nursing Development Scholarship can support nurses to lead with excellence.
Bernadette McDonald, Chief Executive Officer, the RCH
Dr Miriam (Mim) Weisz OAM, President, the RCH Auxiliaries and Chair of the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Nursing Development Scholarship Luncheon Committee, said the success of the event would not be possible without many individuals.
“This event would not be possible without many people, and my heartfelt thanks needs to go to the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Nursing Development Scholarship Luncheon Committee. After two years of virtual fundraisers, it was to hold this event in person once again, and it is thanks to the hard work and dedication of the entire committee that we were able to host such a successful event,” said Mim.
Janet Calvert-Jones AO, Patron, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Nursing Development Scholarship and Eloise Borello
“Thanks to our wonderful Principal Partner, BankVic. On the day, Anthony De Fazio, Chief Executive Officer of BankVic, spoke of BankVic’s incredible passion for supporting healthcare workers. It is this passion that gives nurses at the RCH an opportunity to grow and for that we are so grateful. A special thank you also to the businesses and individuals who donated prizes for the raffle, as well as Sofitel for hosting us, Vasette for the beautiful flowers and Tania de Jong AM for her performance.”
“Through the generous support of attendees, and that of BankVic, we are delighted that the funds raised for this vital scholarship exceeded our target. This will give another talented nurse at the RCH the chance to change the future of paediatric healthcare,” she added.
Support the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Nursing Development Scholarship
Meet the 2022 Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Nursing Development Scholarship
Eloise is a highly skilled clinical nurse consultant who has been caring for sick children at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) since 2010. She will use the scholarship to improve the current model of treatment for children across the hospital requiring intravenous access, a delicate and often traumatising procedure that can also lead to complications.
Eloise began her career as an adult oncology nurse before transitioning into paediatric oncology, working in both Kookaburra and Kelpie wards at the RCH. In 2017, Ella moved into the Quality and Improvement Department as a Clinical Nurse Consultant, specialising in vascular access.
Vascular access can mean different things, however for this project it refers to the process of inserting a device into a patient’s vein to deliver medical treatment. The most used device is called a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC), which is a thin plastic tube which is inserted into a vein using a needle.