Vicki Spackman has been loyal to Catholic Healthcare’s Lourdes Hospital and Community Health Services in Dubbo, working as a Hospital Assistant for 35 years.
Vicki began working at Lourdes Hospital in 1986 when it was called ‘Lourdes House’ and was initially employed as a weekend bedmaker.
“My mum was a cleaner at Lourdes House at the time and I just happened to be offered the role when visiting her one day at work. Since then, I have not looked back.”
Vicki continues to enjoy her role at what is now Lourdes Hospital and Community Health Services. Working as Hospital Assistant, Vicki works primarily in the Adam and Norton Wings of the Hospital, undertaking cleaning duties.
“Lourdes was originally run by the Daughters of Charity from 1958 to 1973 then the government took over until 1996 where then Catholic Healthcare took back the running of Lourdes Hospital until present,” says Vicki.
“Although there have been many changes in the structure of the hospital over the years, what has stayed the same has been my level of satisfaction for what I do.
“I’ve never wavered in my positive perception of Catholic Healthcare as an organisation throughout this time.”
Vicki enjoys the close-knit community at Lourdes Hospital, and she has formed solid friendships and indelible bonds with her fellow colleagues.
“I really value the mateship I share with my fellow team members – they are like my second family,” says Vicki.
“I think that possessing compassion for patients is really vital and is a characteristic that I see in many of my colleagues.”
Now a proud grandmother of four energetic grandchildren, Vicki enjoys her time outside of work spending time with her extended family and socialising with her friends in the local Dubbo community.
“Everyone basically knows everyone here in Dubbo,” says Vicki.
“My advice for anyone considering a career with Catholic Healthcare is to say, without hesitation – go for it! You’ll make life-long friends and you’ll be able to help others in ways that are so rewarding.”