Minister for Health Robyn Lambley today officially named the ‘Lorraine Brennan Centre’ on Royal Darwin Hospital Campus, honouring the life and dedicated work of Matron Lorraine Brennan, who played a huge part in the relief effort following Cyclone Tracy.

Ms Brennan’s work during the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy included establishing 26 emergency health centres, a feat she later received a commendation for.

“As we commemorate the 40th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy at a service in Darwin this week, it is important to recognise not just survivors and those that lost their lives, but also individuals that made an outstanding effort in the wake of the event,” Mrs Lambley said.

“Ms Brennan is one of those individuals who is honoured posthumously today for her tireless work as a renowned Northern Territory Nurse

“Ms Brennan was the Matron of Darwin Hospital from 1965 until 1983, after first arriving in Darwin in 1956 when she worked as a Senior Sister at the hospital.”

Ms Brennan has been fondly remembered by RDH staff as a teacher, leader and carer. RDH Nurse Janine Gibbett remembers working under her direction at both the old and new hospital sites.

“I was one of the only two locals to be allowed to join the student nurse ranks for the January 1978 group. I still love the job and will be forever grateful to Matron Brennan for having faith in this local graduate,” Ms Gibbett said.

Matron Brennan always maintained contact with patients and staff, visiting every ward at least once a week. She supervised the transfer of the hospital in 1980 to the current site on Rocklands Drive.

Minister Lambley said it was an honour to name the short term accommodation facility after a great servant of health to the community.

“The service provided by staff at the Lorraine Brennan Centre reflects the quality of work and dedication that Lorraine Brennan provided to RDH patients throughout her career,” she said.

“This centre immediately frees up resources in Royal Darwin Hospital and provides comfortable, quality accommodation for Hospital in the Home (HITH) patients and self-care patients.”

The Lorraine Brennan Centre currently provides 50 beds to patients and their carers, with another 50 beds scheduled for availability by February 2015.

Please see pic attached.

Caption - Lorraine Brennan 1923-1992. In the regalia of a Fellow of the College of Nursing Australia at a nurses’ graduation in the early 1970s at Darwin hospital on Myilly Point. Courtesy - Charles Darwin University Nursing Museum

Media Contact: Danielle Lede 0404 515 414