Meet Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) Clinical Lead for the new Coomera Hospital Michelle Havell. At just 26, Michelle became the youngest Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) within Gold Coast Health at the time.
She’s also already experienced in leading major health care projects, including the monumental move from the old Southport Hospital to the Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH).
To kick things off, tell us about your career journey
I'm a registered nurse with a background in surgical nursing and have been with Gold Coast Health for over 20 years. I began as a fresh graduate in the casual pool, diving into various wards and gaining experience across a range of settings. At the time, I made my mark as the youngest Nurse Unit Manager in the Hospital and Health Service (HHS) by 26.
I stepped into the project space after starting my family, returning to work as a Transition Manager for the GCUH Build and Move. I handled portfolios like family, women's and children's health and the move workforce.
I later took on major projects like the first Gold Coast Health Nursing and Midwifery Symposium. I also played a key role as a medical manager in the planning for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, working with a volunteer workforce of about 4,000. I've also held various nursing director roles, including for the COVID-19 response in Charlotte Street corporate offices.
What does your role entail?
I’m currently the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) Clinical Lead for the new Coomera Hospital, I bridge the gap between clinicians, contractors, health planners and builders. With my peers in the project team, we’re helping to drive the project forward and I’m revisiting the same portfolios I managed during the GCUH Build and Move, with many of those valuable networks still thriving.
What’s your immediate focus or challenge at the moment?
Our immediate focus is collaborating with clinicians to ensure the design is practical and meets the needs of the communities we serve.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
What I love most about my job is getting to know how different departments work and helping them see new ways to plan their services. It's rewarding to work with clinicians, explore their current practices and find opportunities to enhance future care.
How will the hospital benefit the Gold Coast?
With the new Coomera Hospital closer to home, northern Gold Coasters will benefit from easier access to essential health care services, reducing travel time and supporting a growing population. It also aligns with initiatives to offer care 'closer to country' for many patients in our First Nations community.
What are your favourite design features of the new Coomera Hospital?
What excites me most about the new Coomera Hospital is the colour scheme – it’s beautiful in the mock-ups and really makes the building stand out.
How do you think you’ll feel once the hospital is finished and fully operational?
Probably exhausted – just kidding! Honestly, I’ll feel incredibly proud, like I did after the GCUH was built in 2013. Being part of something to change the landscape and positively impact so many lives is amazing. It was the biggest health service project in Australia back then and I got to help make it happen for my own community. So, I’ll be very proud – just like I already am working for Gold Coast Health!
Lastly, how do you keep healthy?
Well, anyone who knows me knows I’m super passionate about coaching netball – it’s my way to unwind from work. I’m pretty sure I’ve coached just about everyone on the Gold Coast at some point! As the President of the South Coast Netball Association, I had the chance to coach a team to a State Championship this year and an opens team, including players from Gold Coast Health, who won the premiership in the Greater Brisbane Elite Netball League.
