When Liz Camilleri started as a pay clerk at Epworth Hospital in Richmond in 1990, dollars and cents were squashed into weekly pay envelopes and handed out to a few hundred staff.
30 years later, Liz is finishing as Epworth HealthCare’s Executive Director of Finance and Commercial Services, closing the chequebook in a stellar career.
In that time, Epworth HealthCare has grown from a standalone hospital to Victoria’s largest not-for-profit private hospital group with 7,000 staff and more than 3,000 visiting medical officers, across 11 locations throughout Melbourne and Geelong.
Liz says her final year at Epworth is certainly a memorable one.
“I started 2020 thinking it was going to be a year of celebrating our centenary and marking my 30 years in the organisation that has played such a big part in my life,” Ms Camilleri said.
“Instead, this global COVID-19 pandemic has introduced many new challenges, both personally and professionally. I know I am not alone in this regard.”
Some of the highlights in Liz’s three decades at Epworth include managing hospitality at Epworth Richmond, where she brought the food and environmental services back in-house.
Liz led the financing for the establishment of Epworth Eastern, and its expansion 15 years later, as well as building Epworth Geelong, our first foray into regional healthcare.
“It’s fantastic to see how both sites have grown, not only in size but in reputation in the community.”
Another of Liz’s achievements was co-sponsoring Epworth’s Diversity and Inclusion strategy.
“It has been rewarding to see real progress made towards ensuring our employees and our patients know they are accepted for who they are. Walking in the Pride march earlier this year, the first time that Epworth has participated, was really special.”
Epworth has also implemented LGBTIQA+ and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander training, reminding staff of the importance of treating everyone, no matter their background or circumstance, with kindness and respect.
The last 12 months has focussed on future-proofing Epworth through efficiencies and leveraging economies of scale across the organisation.
“Doing things differently is never easy, but it’s so important when looking at the long term.”
“However, the most important thing, care of our patients, remains the same. That is what has kept me here for so long – being part of an organisation with a strong reputation for compassion and care, and the wonderful staff that are Epworth.”
Liz is taking a well-earned GAP year before embarking on her next role.
A virtual farewell has been held, with plans for a farewell lunch and dinner postponed until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Liz is succeeded by Cameron Fuller who comes to Epworth from NAB where he focussed on the health industry.
Cam is a chartered accountant who has previously held roles at PwC, ANZ and Mayne Pharma where he was CFO.
