The heart and soul of Ipswich HOspice Care
Meet Our Team
We employ over 40 staff (which equates to 17.4 full time equivalents), in various areas of the organisation.
Volunteers are involved in all areas of Hospice and contribute to every service we provide. In addition to practical assistance in the Guest Wing, volunteers work in the office and reception areas, fundraising, kitchen, and in the maintenance of the building and grounds.
Ms Melinda Parcell
A Health Care Executive, Virtual Health Transformation Specialist, with 30 years of experience in nursing and midwifery. Is passionate about healthcare and the provision of clinical services that are consumer focused. Has served on several health service and community not-for-profit Boards and committees in the local region.
Qualifications:
GAICD, Master of Management (Innovation & Change), Bachelor of Health Management, Registered Nurse & Midwife
Ms Patricia Evatt OAM
Worked as a psychologist in the disability sector before moving into the corporate sector where she
specialised in organisational psychology. Pat was Director of Livingstones Australia for over 15 years,
is the current Deputy Chair of the Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School Board and has held numerous
Board positions in a variety of organisations, including West Moreton Medicare Local and the West
Moreton Hospital & Health Services Board.
Qualifications:
BAppSc (Psych), Dip Psych, MOP, AICD Dip
Mr Michael Kelly
A proud Ipswich local and Ipswich Grammar School old boy, Michael devotes a considerable amount
of time giving back to his local community. He was a founding board member of Swich On Inc and is
a board member of the Seed Foundation Australia and Jets Rugby League Football Club. Michael is a
partner of Fallu McMillan Lawyers. While Michael has practiced in many areas of law, he is primarily
focused on criminal law, commercial law and succession planning.
Qualifications:
LLB, BBus
Ms Cheryl Kermond
A proud lifelong resident of Ipswich, Cheryl is recently retired with 20 years’ experience in the local
commercial real estate sector. A local business owner, life member and past President of the Rotary
Club of Ipswich North/Ipswich, she has also served on the Board of the Ipswich Hospital Foundation
and contributed to numerous community and sporting organisations.
Ms Rosemary Laidlaw
With over 50 years in healthcare across two states, Rosie came to Queensland in 1995 and worked
at Ipswich Hospital for 18 years in Nursing Services before moving to the Metro South team. She has
a broad and diverse clinical background with specialities in cardiac, intensive care, studies in
palliative care and gerontology. Rosie has travelled widely with health including being part of a
World Health team researching diabetes. In the later years
Qualifications:
ICU/CCU/PC Cert, Dip Nursing Admin, Grad Dip Hospital Admin, Grad Dip
Gerontology, Master of Gerontology
Ms Pamela Lane
Was the District CEO of the Darling Downs West Moreton Health Service District and held senior
leadership positions within the public health system for 17 years. Pam has a clinical background in
Nursing and Midwifery and a commitment to the continuous improvement of the quality of health
services. Has also been involved in many community activities and a Member of the Zonta Club of
Ipswich since 1995.
Qualifications:
Diploma of Applied Science Nursing and Unit Management, Bachelor of Administration (Nursing), Certificate in Quality Management, Masters of Health Administration, Graduate Certificate in Interprofessional Leadership AICD
Ms Julie McNeill
Julie has over 40 years of experience working in healthcare with a clinical background in
Physiotherapy. In more recent years, Julie has worked in senior health management roles within
West Moreton Health, predominantly in Ambulatory Care services and is passionate about
improving patient access to quality, safe and equitable health care services. Julie has always lived in
Ipswich and has been an active member of many community associations including the Ipswich Girls’
Grammar School Old Girls Association.
Qualifications:
BPhty Hons 1, GC HealthMgt, GC Soc.Sc
Mr Gerard Pender
Is a former partner in the region’s largest legal firm, Walker Pender Group, and has been actively
involved in community affairs for many years, participating in numerous community organisations.
He is a former Councillor with the Ipswich City Council and has been the President of the Rotary Club
of Ipswich North. Gerard holds and has held Board positions on a number of organisations. He has a
passion for and strong interest in community affairs in the Ipswich region.
Qualifications:
GAICD
Mr Paul Saba
Retired from a career in public accounting that spanned almost 35 years. Commencing as an
employee in local and Brisbane based firms before commencing as a sole practitioner in the Ipswich
area and then merging his practice with RW Ramsey & Co where he became a practicing partner for
approximately 17 years. Paul brings business and accounting knowledge together with an ethic of
service to the community through his membership in Rotary for over 40 years.
Qualifications:
BCom CPA (Retired)
Dr Daniel Toft
Born and raised in the Ipswich region, Dan grew up on a small cattle farm in Marburg and graduated
from James Cook University in Townsville. For the past 10 years he has lived and worked in many
towns throughout Queensland including Townsville, Mackay, Burleigh Heads and Cairns. Now back
in Ipswich, he enjoys all aspects of general practice, with particular interest in Paediatrics and
Geriatrics. Dan has extensive experience managing end of life care and for the past 6 years has
consulted one day per week at two local nursing homes.
Qualifications:
FRACGP
CEO/Director of Nursing
Gail Rogers
Business Manager
Tyson Walker
Palliative Care Physician
Dr. Ross Cruikshank
General Practitioner
Dr. Evie Rank
General Practitioner
Dr. Tu Huynh
General Practitioner
Dr. Rob Illingworth
General Practitioner
Dr. Scott Kirton
General Practitioner
Dr. Nyree Swan