We’re shining a spotlight on Julianne Harvey, the Redevelopment Lead at Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD), and her journey from a new graduate nurse to a pivotal leadership role.
Julianne began her career at Westmead Hospital in 2003, working in the Medical High Dependency Unit.
Over the years, she progressed to become a Nursing Unit Manager, a role she held until 2014.
Julianne took leave following the birth of her twins, on her return to work she transitioned to quality improvement within the Innovation & Redesign team at WSLHD.
During her time with the team she successfully co-led award-winning projects including Auburn Hospital’s antenatal clinics project, “Baby Steps” and the WSLHD COVID-19 Vaccination roll-out.
Her extensive experience in frontline nursing and change management, as well as being an accredited Accelerated Implementation Methodology Practitioner, provided a solid foundation for her current position.
“I was encouraged to throw my hat in the ring, which at the time was very daunting because I didn’t know what I had to offer in this space,” Julianne said.
As the Redevelopment Lead, Julianne oversees major capital works projects across the district, including the Cumberland West Mental Health Services Relocation, Rouse Hill Hospital Development and Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospital expansion projects.
Her role involves providing expert advice and acting as a conduit between staff, consumers and the integrated project team to ensure that new and refurbished health facilities meet the needs of the local community.
“I think what really served me well in this role was having those years of pre-existing relationships, you know with clinical and non-clinical staff,” Julianne said.
Julianne’s leadership style is founded on relationship-building, trust and collaboration.
She values the input of all team members and believes in the importance of forming strong human connections with clinical and non-clinical staff.
“My advice for my team is to be comfortable in what you can bring to the table. Everyone’s voice is just as important,” Julianne says.
This approach has been instrumental in her success, particularly in navigating the complexities of health facility planning and construction.
Her background in nursing and Clinical Healthcare Redesign gives her a unique perspective on the intricate workflows and practical requirements of healthcare facilities, ensuring that the new buildings are not only functional but also conducive to safe and high-quality patient care.
As a busy mum of three, Julianne also recognises the support that she has received in managing work-life balance, and in turn, extends the same support to her team.
“Being in a leadership role, it’s important that I model balance in personal life and I encourage my staff to have a good work-life balance as well,” Julianne says.
Julianne’s advice to women, and in fact all members of her team, is to be confident in their abilities but to recognise they form part of a wider team whose combined expertise and knowledge will often reach the best outcome.