Congratulations to RCH Pastoral and Spiritual Care Coordinator Paul Hammat who has been awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Paul has been working at the RCH for the past nine years and says receiving an OAM is an honour.

“Quite honestly it feels a bit surreal. I consider this honour to be shared with the great team of spiritual care practitioners I work with at the RCH and the many colleagues from across Australia who I have worked with through Spiritual Care Australia, the professional body for Spiritual Care Practitioners in Australia,” says Paul.

While Paul has had to change the way he works during the COVID-19 pandemic, pastoral and spiritual care remains as important as ever and finds providing a listening ear to be one of the most rewarding parts.

“Spiritual Care takes a holistic view of the person including the following five domains – physical needs, social needs, spiritual needs, emotional needs, and psychological needs.

“Spiritual Care can make a difference to the experience of patients and families just as the care of many disciplines can impact consumer experience.”

Paul is also joined by:

Dr Gillian Sparkes AM, RCH Foundation Board Member – For significant service to environmental sustainability, and to public administration.

Mrs Louise Mary Gourlay OAM AM, Patron of the RCH Auxilaries – For significant service to the community through charitable initiatives.

Ms Mary McGowan OAM, Long serving Children’s Cancer nurse and community participation lead – For service to nursing, and to the community through charitable initiatives.

Mrs Beverley Noonan OAM, Parkville Auxiliary Member – For service to the community through charitable organisations.

Dr Miriam Weisz OAM, RCH Foundation Auxiliaries President – For service to community health.

Dr Igor Konstantinov OAM, Cardiac Surgeon– For service to medicine as a cardiothoracic surgeon.