Epworth Nursing Academy Scholarship for ICU Supported by George Stamas GJK Facility Services

Story told by Samantha Doherty

How scholarships are empowering nursing and midwives to grow and excel

My story is quite a personal one.

I didn’t initially start out doing nursing. My mum became very ill with cancer when I was in my early 20s.
She had a long journey, but what really stood out to us during this incredibly difficult time for our family was the nursing care she received. It brought a smile to her face every day. Every day you saw her light up because of the care the nurses provided and how genuinely kind they were to her.

I thought – I want to be that person who brightens up someone’s day when they’re having a really, really difficult time.

I started my career at Epworth within interventional cardiology. Most commonly we would support patients who had a heart attack. They would need a stent in the cath labs and all being well they would be home in a few days to rest and recover.

Today, I work in the ICU. It’s completely different work. We often have patients with us for weeks, even months – it’s challenging but incredibly rewarding.

We do care for the sickest of the sick, and we get to make a difference every single day.
One patient who sticks in my mind is an Irish man who was with us for about four weeks. He came in very unwell, and we got the opportunity to not only get to know him throughout his time with us, but his family as well.
And that’s the beauty of Epworth and the role that we play as nurses. We get to really make this connection with our patients and their families. We found out that he had migrated over from Ireland when he was in his twenties, we learnt about his career in Australia and we got to meet his children and grandchildren.

It’s an amazing opportunity that you would never get in any other job or any other career. Unfortunately, he did pass with us, but it was so special that we got to be there with him and his family in such a vulnerable time. It really reminded me that we are part of that experience with them. That’s something that will stick with me forever.

This year I received the Stamas Family Scholarship to undertake a Graduate Certificate in Critical Care through the Brookes Academy. The support I’ve received is extraordinary, I know that through the Brookes Academy, whatever opportunities I want to seek, whatever I want to learn, it’s available to me.
Nothing is too much. The attitude has been let’s help you, let’s help make this happen!
George & Jaqui Maree Stamas with Samantha Doherty and Professor Andrew Stripp
Epworth Medical Foundation | 2024 Philanthropy Report

About George Stamas Director GJK Facility Services
George Stamas, AM, is a visionary leader in facility management, revered for his transformative business acumen and unwavering commitment to philanthropy that uplifts communities globally.

From humble beginnings as a part-time cleaner, George’s journey led him in 1987 to establish and lead GJK Facility Services, a thriving enterprise that has touched the lives of over 4000 employees per year in Australia and New Zealand.

George Stamas supported an Indigenous woman’s dream, guiding and funding her to establish Killara Services, a successful Indigenous cleaning company employing over 300 people.

His philanthropic endeavours
ors transcend boundaries, with a focus on initiatives that bring about positive change:

– **Epworth Medical Foundation:** A staunch supporter of healthcare, George has contributed significantly equipment for cardiac , Gastroenterology and to the Breast Cancer Centre, purchasing essential medical equipment to streamline surgeries for women battling breast cancer and reduce their time in the operating room.
As well as donating to the foundation to fund various needs of the hospital George has significantly contributed to the Brookes Nurses Academy to fund The latest newest and only Nurses academy in Australia .
George has also funded Epworth perpetual Scholarships for service and indigenous employees of Epworth Hospital .

– **Lighthouse for Homeless Women:** George’s compassion extends to homeless women at the Lighthouse Foundation, providing them with shelter, hope, and opportunities for a brighter future.

– **Eye Institute for Pregnant Women:** Recognising the importance of vision care for expectant mothers, George’s involvement in the Eye Institute ensures that pregnant women can maintain their vision for themselves and their children.

– **Assistance for Homeless People:** Committed to serving the homeless community, George’s initiatives provide crucial support and resources to those in need, offering a beacon of hope in times of despair.

– **Bridge of Hope for Homeless Children:** George’s dedication to homeless children at the Bridge of Hope exemplifies his commitment to providing education, care, and stability for the vulnerable youth who deserve a promising future.

– **Kids Cancer Project:** Through his involvement in the Kids Cancer Project, George offers unwavering support for paediatric cancer research, bringing hope to children and families facing this devastating disease.

Moreover, George’s pivotal role in assisting small towns in Europe during the Covid lockdowns showcases his compassion and dedication to helping communities in times of crisis.