Platypus (noun); a native Australian animal, a local shoe and swimwear brand, and the name of one of our surgical inpatient wards at the RCH!

We’ll be celebrating our wonderful nurses over the coming weeks and finding out more about the wards they work on.

At the RCH, each level has a theme inspired by Australian flora and fauna from underground, underwater, beach, forest, tree tops, mountain tops and the sky. In addition, each ward takes on a name of an Australian native animal so that patients of all ages and backgrounds can easily identify with the animals and use them as a landmark.

‘Platypus’ sits on level four in the ‘mountain tops’ level of the hospital. It is our dedicated burns and trauma ward and treats more than 3,000 patients per year.

It’s a dynamic ward though, and nurses like Alicia and Peter also care for patients undergoing general surgery, orthopaedic and plastics procedures.

How is Platypus different from other wards in the hospital?

Peter: “We see a bit of everything – it’s a very varied ward in terms of ages and conditions, but we mainly care for patients who are recovering from a range of surgical procedures.”

What’s the most rewarding thing about working on Platypus?

Alicia: “It’s great to get to know families and be with patients on their journey, and hopefully see them go home well, especially after they’ve been in here long-term.”

Peter: “Another perk on Platypus is the team environment, we’re all very dynamic and work well together. Some of the stuff you see, from patients and staff, is pretty inspiring.”

 How did you decide on becoming a nurse at the RCH?  

Peter: “I was a latecomer to nursing…my mother was a nurse and I thought ‘why not?’ I’m glad I followed through, because I love it.”

Alicia: “I knew I enjoyed helping people, and I was good with kids, so being a nurse at a leading paediatric hospital was a no-brainer!”

Is there anything your colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?

Peter: “I’m from Canberra and used to work at TGI Friday’s?”

Alicia: “Nothing from me; I’m an open book!”

If you would like to support great care at the RCH, see www.rchfoundation.org.au

If you’d like to know how about what to expect during your stay on Platypus Ward, you can download the My RCH app here.