Calvary Central Districts Hospital

13/10/2025

Congratulations to Luisa, who is the latest recipient of the Staff Recognition Award!

"I would love to recognise Luisa who consistently demonstrates all of Calvary’s values. Luisa is more than a team leader in the cafe - she is a light in our hospital. Whether it’s her warm smile that greets every single person who walks into the cafe, her genuine care for staff and patients, or her incredible work ethic, Luisa radiates the spirit of Calvary in everything she does. Not only does she make the BEST coffee’s, but she remembers people’s names and regular orders, whether staff or patients who have had a lengthy stay in hospital, which brings healing in the smallest, most meaningful ways. She deserves to be recognised, not just for what she does, but for who she is as a person.”

03/10/2025

Tomorrow is the Feast of St Francis Assisi who, as well as being remembered for his generosity to the poor and his willingness to minister to the lepers, is also renowned for his love for animals and nature.

To mark this day, the mission and volunteer teams arranged for Fr Mannes Tellis OP to bless the pet therapy dogs who work with their handlers to bring joy to our patients, staff, and visitors.

It was a lovely gathering in the chapel garden, where the furry guests of honour enjoyed some home-made treats while others tucked in to a delicious morning tea.

We sincerely thank and acknowledge the special work of Donnie, Janey, Alaska, Phaedra, Cherry, Lotte, Trixie, and those who weren’t able to attend the blessing – Addie, Jet, Cheechy, Lyric, Gracie and Jaspa; along with their dedicated two-legged helpers.

'Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures.
You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air, and animals on the land.
You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters.
We ask you to bless this pet.
By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan.
May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation.'

30/09/2025

Late last week the team got together to ‘Wear your colours’; a fun celebration for the AFL and NRL finals where funds raised go towards supporting children with cancer.

Building their own burgers, staff enjoyed a colourful lunchtime with their colleagues while raising money for a wonderful cause.

11/09/2025

We marked R U OK? Day today by delivering some delicious cupcakes to staff across the hospital.

Life is full of ups and downs, so it’s important to check in with those around us and ask R U OK? any day of the year.

You don’t need to be an expert, just a good friend and listener.
Some steps that might help you have that conversation:

- Ask R U OK?
- Listen
- Encourage action
- Check in

www.ruok.org.au/r-u-ok-day

26/08/2025

Happy International Dogs Day!

We sincerely thank our four-legged Pet Therapy volunteers and their handlers for bringing smiles to the faces of patients, visitors and staff across our hospitals. Your visits are the highlight of the day for many, and we truly appreciate you spending time with us.

If you are interested in being part of the program, you can find out more information:
https://careers.calvarycare.org.au/jobs/6188c894-948c-4b27-a00f-8a9ca28ba7a9

01/08/2025

Often the friendships that are forged in the workplace are some of the most enduring and treasured in our lives – just ask these two!

Celebrating International Friendship Day earlier this week, Raelene and Grainne have been working together for more than 35 years. They have been by each other’s side throughout all of life’s’ milestones, and enjoy each other’s company while working at the Connery Cancer Centre, and in their lives outside of Calvary.

“What a happiness true friendship is” Venerable Mary Potter

28/07/2025

We have several nursing roles available across our three SA hospitals including Periop, Oncology, Maternity and ICU.

You can apply directly to a role, or hear from the team by attending one of our upcoming webinars:
- Wednesday 30 July, 5:30pm
- Thursday 31 July, 12:00 noon

Please register your interest (via the ‘Apply Now’ button on the page linked below) and we will send you the webinar information for your preferred session - https://careers.calvarycare.org.au/jobs/afdbc92d-bbd7-4fe2-849b-3eb2ce5d3727

20/06/2025

Thanks Cosi Andrew Costello - we couldn't agree more!

How amazing are volunteers 😭😭
They do such an incredible and important job in health care ❤️
We have met so many lovely people at the Playford Health Hub in Elizabeth Vale today like Julie who is an oncology volunteer at Calvary.
Thank YOU to all of the awesome volunteers in SA ❤️❤️❤️

13/06/2025

Executive staff, consumer representatives, and special guests from across our hospitals, aged, and home care came together recently to celebrate with a special bush tucker-inspired breakfast.

As part of his Welcome to Country, Jack Buckskin gave a powerful and entertaining insight into aspects of the important work that he does within the South Australian and wider Australian community to further the spirit of Reconciliation. We are privileged to have a long-term connection with the Buckskin family, with Jack’s Aunty Mary having trained at Calvary North Adelaide, graduating in 1978.

Her outstanding contribution as a nurse, Aboriginal hospital liaison officer, clinical educator, senior health administrator and policy adviser created an inspiring legacy for a new generation of young Aboriginal leaders and health care professionals.

Regional CEO Sharon Kendall then addressed the group;
“Some people might imagine that Reconciliation Week is a box-ticking exercise to convey that we, as an organisation, care about Aboriginal people. It is actually the complete opposite. What I have learnt from people like the Buckskin family, and from John Lochowiak, our amazing Calvary First Nations Cultural Advisor, is that it is actually a profound act of care from Aboriginal people towards us. It is Aboriginal people’s gracious invitation to us to walk with them in the imaginative and creative effort of becoming a better nation together. With great generosity, and in spite of many years of painful experiences of marginalization, they remain prepared to share with us, their culture, their spirituality, their traditional knowledge, and their incredible commitment to community and to country."

30/05/2025

The second part in our series on the Calvary Life Stories Program, today we hear from Margie who’s mum took part in the Program recently.

Margie talks about how her mum was a little hesitant about the idea at first, and wasn’t sure what she had to say. With some encouragement and support, it turned into an experience that that she loved in the end.

“We all read through it and had a laugh and a cry, and just reminisced. It’s just a fantastic keepsake and we couldn’t be more grateful”

For more about the Life Stories Program and how to take part: https://www.marypotter.org.au/.../calvary-life-stories.../

29/05/2025

Thank you to all the recent graduates who came to the Application Information Night for the Calvary 2026 Graduate Nurse/Midwife Transition Program – it was lovely to meet so many enthusiastic and motivated new nurses!

The clinical teams from across our three hospitals enjoyed speaking about their speciality areas, and our Learning and Development team were impressed with the great questions asked during the Q&A sessions. The L&D team had done a magnificent job putting the whole night together, and with the support of the hospital executives and business development team, the overwhelming feedback was that it was a very worthwhile event to have attended.

Applications are now open!
More information about applying for the Calvary 2026 Graduate Nurse/Midwife Transition Program:
https://careers.calvarycare.org.au/graduate-nurse-program

22/05/2025

Yesterday, volunteers from across our three SA hospitals came together to celebrate with a shared morning tea.

Executive staff and managers also attended the event, expressing our collective gratitude to our 200+ volunteers - the heart and soul of Calvary!

In her acting Regional CEO role, Toni-Ann addressed the group “Volunteering is more than showing up; it's about bringing heart, empathy and kindness to make a difference. Every day you embody these qualities, whether it's through a comforting smile, a listening ear or working behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. Your selfless efforts support Calvary to thrive, and your kindness and commitment creates a lasting impact that resonates far beyond the hospital walls. We simply couldn't do it without you!”

If you are interested in volunteering with Calvary, find out more information: https://ow.ly/eBaJ50VWPKh