Allowah welcomes new Executive Director of Nursing Tracey Szanto

Commissioning Service - 8th February 2007

It is with much pleasure that we announce the appointment of Mrs Tracey Szanto as Executive Director of Nursing at Allowah Presbyterian Children's Hospital. Tracey has extensive experience in the public and private hospital sectors, and has held senior training positions, as well as specialising in paediatrics. Tracey commenced at Allowah on Wednesday 31 January 2007, and on Thursday 8 February 2007 a special service was held at the Beecroft Presbyterian Church to acknowledge and commission Tracey as Executive Director of Nursing.

In an inspiring address to those present, the Rev Paul Cooper (Minister of the Beecroft Presbyterian Church) spoke of the huge responsibility and privilege involved in caring for so many children suffering from multiple disabilities. Mr Cooper also commented on the support that was provided by the Allowah team to the children's parents and their families.

Chaplain Rhonda Daley gave an overview of the preciousness of the children and their individual personalities. Mrs Daley issued a challenge to the attendees to consider supporting this vital work by volunteering as ward grandparents and by raising funds for the hospital's proposed redevelopment.

Those attending were told that so many hearts have been touched since the Presbyterian Church purchased the hospital in February 2004, and that many people have been challenged to financially support the work amongst this very vulnerable and special group of children. Nonetheless, as only 50% of the building costs have been raised we still need to continue to raise considerable funds to be able to proceed with the building improvements. Allowah is such a unique facility in New South Wales and beyond, but it desperately needs to be redeveloped to allow these beautiful children a beautiful place to receive treatment.

The Moderator of the New South Wales Presbyterian Church, the Rt Rev David Robson, Mr Peter Graham, as well as a number of local politicians attended the service.