Hummingbird House today announced the appointment of its new General Manager, Dr Fiona Hawthorne. Fiona will head up the clinical and operational team of Queensland’s only children’s hospice, which is a joint initiative between Hummingbird House Foundation and Wesley Mission Brisbane.

With more than 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Fiona will play a critical role in supporting Hummingbird House’s continued growth strategy and strengthening its position as one of Australia’s leading providers of world-class paediatric palliative care.

Hummingbird House co-founder Gabrielle Quillam said Fiona is an exceptional leader who will bring significant sector qualifications and experience to the role.

“Fiona has been a valued member of Hummingbird House’s Clinical Advisory Committee for the past two years. She has extensive knowledge working as a perinatal counsellor and will bring a wealth of experience and compassion to her role at Hummingbird House,” Ms Quillam said.

“Her experience will be instrumental in delivering on our vision to provide world-class respite and end of life care for children affected by life-limiting conditions and their families.”

Wesley Mission Brisbane’s Director of Community Services, Michelle Skinner, also welcomed the appointment.

“We are delighted to see Fiona join the team, this integral appointment signifies an important milestone for Hummingbird House,” Ms Skinner said.

Starting her career as a registered nurse in Brisbane in 1987, Fiona quickly moved through academic positions in Schools of Medicine and Nursing – teaching bioethics, clinical communication and preparation for professional practice at a number of universities across Queensland.

Completing a PhD in 2007, Fiona examined the construction of risk and sources of influence when contemplating pre-natal screening. From her PhD work, Fiona was awarded the coveted Bob and June Prickett Churchill Fellowship, which saw her undertake an extensive study tour of the UK and USA, investigating how a perinatal palliative care service may be developed for Australia.

In 2010, Fiona broadened her professional scope by taking on the position of Clinical Ethicist at the Princess Alexandra Hospital – a role awarded to only four people in Queensland.

For more information on Hummingbird House, visit www.hummingbirdhouse.org.au.