A special thank you to our CAC Chair - Jody

An end of an era is approaching for the WNHS Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) this week as they farewell their leader Jody Blake, who has decided to retire from her CAC duties after an amazing 14 years of service.

The CAC represent patient interests and form an integral part of our health service with their consumer perspective on all our activities, initiatives and projects.

Jody took on the Chair of the CAC role in 2010 and has since been the key driver of a number of projects and initiatives aimed at improving services for our women here at WNHS.

Jody was a key advocate in establishing water birth at KEMH and the eventual guidelines for water birth at the Family Birth Centre.

She was a huge advocate for the zebra crossing on Bagot Road, insisting on the safety of our women and staff and she was passionate about the Agnes Walsh Accommodation refurbishment in 2007.

A Registered Nurse who had two children with us here at the Family Birth Centre, Jody’s final legacy will be the creation of a WNHS concierge service, which will assist visitors to our site to find their way and feel comfortable when accessing our services.

No one or two projects clearly demonstrate Jody’s time, effort and commitment to our health service over the past 14 years, all donated whilst she raises three young boys and holds down a full-time job as a sales consultant.

Acting Executive Director Nicole Flendt said Jody’s contribution to WNHS was an extraordinary inspiration to our staff and patients.

“Our CAC members and particularly our Chair, integrate into our health service like staff do,” she said.

“Nobody probably even knows that they are volunteers giving up their own personal time and yet they are so passionate about women and their health journey.

“It is truly inspiring to have such passion around us and I hope as Jody says goodbye she can look back and see the enormous contribution she has made.”

Jody will be around at KEMH until Wednesday 3 August and one would predict she will continue to be a more behind-the-scenes advocate for our women.

Jody, you will be incredibly missed and your enthusiasm and passion will never be forgotten – don’t be a stranger to us here at WNHS.