Darwin Private Hospital recognises placement partnership

Darwin Private Hospital has recognised the contribution of health professionals, such as clinical nurse educator Zoe Boyle, for their dedication in a formal plaque at the hospital.

The hospital’s placement partnership with Charles Darwin University has led to mutual benefits across the Northern Territory’s healthcare sector.

CDU Faculty of Health Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Dominic Upton said the Territory has health challenges that can be addressed by healthcare partnerships and facilities prioritising diverse needs. “We’re working together to advance community health and wellbeing by maintaining the pipeline of graduates into meaningful employment. Graduates who stay in the Territory give back sevenfold because they are already familiar with our practices and population.”

Since signing a memorandum of understanding in 2014, the private hospital has provided over 1000 nursing and midwifery student placements, with 130 students starting in 2023.

The areas of mutual benefit identified by Professor Upton include workforce development, education, training and research collaboration.

Contemporary training done at the university’s Centre for Better Health Futures and CDU Menzies School of Medicine alongside industry placement connections such as the private hospital place students in a position to assist with the growing healthcare system in the Northern Territory.

CDU graduate Boyle, who joined the hospital over a decade ago, pays forward her knowledge and expertise on the NT’s healthcare system onto new graduates as a guide and mentor.

“I knew there was no other university that could provide such a stable stepping stone onto my dream career, and keep me close to my family at the same time,” Boyle said.

“I'm proud to be a CDU graduate and now giving back to my community means I can help shape the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

Darwin Private Hospital Acting General Manager Vanessa Frewin said the collaboration with CDU has assisted the hospital’s graduate program with differing perspectives and ideas while also strengthening the quality of education for students.

Image caption: Clinical nurse educator Zoe Boyle at Darwin Private Hospital. Image credit: Adnan Reza