The aged care facility at the Collinsville Multi-Purpose Health Service (MPHS) is receiving an upgrade, with six rooms soon to be equipped with en suite bathroom facilities.
The renovation, which is due to be finished in March, is the latest project Ben Lawrence, Director of Nursing (DON) at MPHS, has overseen in his two years in the position.
“This is a great development for our residents,” he said.
“The work is progressing really well and should be on track to be finished by the end of March.”
Ben did not always want to be a nurse, in fact, he had aspirations to be a social worker but a friend of his mum’s guided him into nursing and he has never looked back.
Originally from Maryborough, Ben completed his degree at JCU in Townsville and went on to do his grad year on the Fraser Coast.
In 2009 he moved north.
“I was nurse unit manager in Bowen, before working as the DON in Hughenden for five years and then Charters Towers for a year,” he said.
Two years ago, he took on the DON role in Collinsville.
“Working rural is my passion and it’s a privilege to work in the communities I have,” Ben said.
“The days are challenging, and every day is different, but I love my job and what I do.”
Ben Lawrence, Director of Nursing at Collinsville Multi-Purpose Health Service. Photo supplied
