Jodie Quinnell 

Meet Jodie Quinnell, Manager Mental Health Services Eurobodalla 

We sat down with Jodie to find out how she’s been involved in the planning for the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital and what it will mean for staff and the community.


 

Who are you and what is your role in Eurobodalla Health Services?
My name is Jodie Quinnell, and I am the Manager of the Eurobodalla Community Mental Health team. The community health team is made up of adult, child, infant, child and adolescent, and older persons mental health services.

How have you been involved in the planning and design of the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital?
I've been involved in the planning of the hospital since its inception. I've been representing Eurobodalla mental health services in the Project User Groups, and working with the Eurobodalla Community Health to team ensure the new hospital meets the needs of everybody in our service.
 

"It’s been a really great experience to think about what our community needs and see how we can bring our services together to make it the best we can for our community."

Can you tell us a bit more about the Community Mental Health Services at the new hospital?
The new hospital includes a new purpose-built space for community mental health that will bring all our services together. We'll have spaces for groups, spaces for education, and spaces where people can meet privately and confidentially. There's also an amazing outdoor connection where we will be able to meet with people in the space where they're most comfortable.

What are the key benefits of the new Community Mental Health Service?
The new hospital includes mental health beds for short term admissions in our emergency department.
 

"This means that patients will be able to stay close to home for that initial contact with the mental health service while we work with them and their families to determine what they need and the best service provision."

How will the new hospital improve the way you and your team work together?
We currently have staff working across a more than 100-kilometre radius and they don't get to see each other very often – which is a challenge. The new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will bring our team together in one place, enabling us to work and communicate together, and see each other face to face, which is exciting.

What aspects of the new hospital are you most looking forward to?
I'm most looking forward to working in the brand-new building. We’re designing a beautiful, purpose-built hospital that will be a welcoming place for patients, families, carers, staff, and our community. The new hospital will be a place that everyone can walk into and feel safe and good about themselves.

What’s the best thing about living and working in the Eurobodalla?
Working for the Eurobodalla Health Service is just spectacular. The staff are very supportive. They're passionate, they're caring, and the community feels safe with us.