Farewell to Julie Cort - The Nurse who made a hospital feel like home
After more than 40 years in nursing, former Mount Druitt Hospital Surgical Ward 2B Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) Julie Cort has said goodbye.
Julie guided, taught, and supported generations of nurses.
Her nursing story began a long way from where she ended it.
In the late 1970s she trained as a hospital nurse at a time when nursing meant long shifts, tough conditions and learning everything the hard way.
She soon found herself in one of the most remote places imaginable — Cape York.
There were only two nurses, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service on the radio.
No backup. No shortcuts. Just courage, skill, and heart.
From there, Julie’s journey took her across some of Australia’s busiest hospitals.
She worked at Royal North Shore Hospital before joining Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals (BMDH), where she quickly became known not just for her expertise in orthopaedics, but for her calm voice, sharp knowledge, and genuine care for people.
In 2002, after a short time away, Julie returned to Mount Druitt Hospital as NUM of Ward 2B.
For her, coming back wasn’t just a job move - it felt like coming home.
“To me, Mount Druitt Hospital has the atmosphere and collegiality of a country hospital, but in the city. Everyone helps each other. Everyone says hello. It’s warm, comfortable, and safe,” Julie said.
Over the years, Julie didn’t just manage a ward - she shaped it.
She mentored countless nurses, supported her team through the toughest shifts, and helped thousands of patients get back on their feet, literally and figuratively.
Her team became known for exceptional patient care, teamwork, and compassion - values she lived every day.
When it came time to say goodbye, even Julie who was known for her steady calm, struggled to hold back tears.
She thanked her colleagues, friends, and patients for shaping her journey, and shared simple advice that sums up her entire career.
“Just keep doing the best you can.”
Mount Druitt Hospital Acting Deputy Director of Nursing David Glastonbury described Julie’s legacy perfectly compassion, excellence, calmness - and a good sense of humour.
Now, instead of hospital corridors and ward rounds, Julie’s next adventure will be highways and horizons. She and her partner plan to travel around Australia in a caravan, with no plans to return home anytime soon.
Julie’s last day was in December 2025, but her impact will stay far longer - in the nurses she inspired, the patients she cared for, and the hospital that she helped make feel like a home.
