Role under review

Director of the Joint Health Support Unit, Navy Captain Andrew Robinson, has confirmed that all Defence health services in Victoria, not just those provided by Air Force's No. 6 Hospital, would be tendered out this year.

CAPT Robinson said last week that the Joint Health Support Unit was 'a significant way through that tender process' and, if successful, a new service provider would hopefully be in place by the end of this year.

Once a successful tenderer is identified, 6HOSP will be disbanded.

The majority of personnel will be relocated, however, a small number of members required in uniform will remain with the Area Health Service Central Victoria.

Staff from 6HOSP flew back into Australia last week after a demanding six-month deployment in Dili, working with the United Nations Military Hospital under Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Margaret Hine.

WGCDR Hine and 26 fellow 6HOSP staff were part of Australian Contingent 5, which shared the UN Hospital duties with personnel from Egypt, Singapore and Portugal

'Culturally it's been quite different,' WGCDR Hine said. 'It's presented a personal challenge. While there's an Australian in command, it's a United Nations Hospital staffed by people from four different cultures, and it's all about getting those cultures to work together.'

6HOSP's stint in East Timor was significant for a number of reasons. It's the first time that 6HOSP has been deployed on active service and, as far as WGCDR Hine is aware, she's the first Australian nurse to command a deployed service.

'I'm really proud of our accomplishments, and proud of our unit, service and country.'

By Ben Caddaye