Meet Jenny Seve Patali, a proud Niuean woman, dedicated community support worker and Enrolled Nurse. Driven by her passion for preserving Polynesian traditions, Jenny is committed to integrating the rich culture into the design of the palliative care area at the new Coomera Hospital.
What does your current role involve?
I serve as a support worker in the community through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and work as an enrolled nurse.
What has your role been in the Coomera Hospital?
Drawing from my Polynesian heritage, I’ve been invited to bring the consumer voice to the planning table for the palliative care area at the new Coomera Hospital, particularly focusing on the outdoor terrace. In this capacity, I represent our community, ensuring our perspectives and needs are considered in the development process.
Working in palliative care is something I’m passionate about because I believe it’s important to have Polynesian staff in these units. Our presence fosters connections with patients, who deeply resonate with our culture of love, care, service, kindness and support.
Polynesian values, including our traditions of singing and communal support, bring a unique and comforting element to palliative care, enriching the experience for patients and their families.
Why is it important that clinicians and the community have input into this future facility?
Supporting end-of-life care in a palliative setting requires creating an environment where our Polynesian community feels truly at ease, as if they are back on the islands, ready to return to their homeland.
It’s essential for this setting to reflect the comfort and familiarity of our cultural roots, offering peace, dignity and a sense of belonging during this sensitive time.
What elements would you like to see considered in the design for the Palliative Care Terrace?
I'm excited our Polynesian community will be recognised and provided with a beautiful space where they can feel at peace in preparation for their final journey.
Culture is deeply important to our people and having a dedicated space where families can gather during such a significant time brings comfort and happiness.
What do you hope the Coomera Hospital will be?
I hope Coomera Hospital will unite culture and diversity. I would love to see greetings from Polynesian and other nations printed on tiles, with words like "welcome”, "hello" and "I love you" in different languages.
This would create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, having the concrete chairs featuring designs from Polynesian culture would beautifully complement the garden in the palliative care terrace, enhancing the overall sense of peace and connection to our heritage.
Lastly, what do you do to stay healthy?
I have a deep love for my culture and most weekends you’ll find me out with Niue Sports Queensland, where I’ve proudly served as a Niue Sports Coordinator for thirteen years. My passion for community sports drives me and it's incredible to witness how we've grown from just one Niue sports touch team here in Queensland to a vibrant community of over 500 members. I’m proud to be Niuean.
I hit the gym with friends and play touch football. Since January, I’ve taken up the hobby of collecting 10 cent recycle bottles and plastics, which I absolutely love. It's a great way to save the environment and make my millions. My motto is, "one man's trash is another man's treasure”.
