Celebrating 35 years of inspiring service

In 35 years working at The Bays Hospital, Lyn Sullivan has seen it grow to meet the community's needs on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula.

Now a 100-bed private facility with five operating theatres, The Bays has come a long way since its establishment as a self-funded nursing hospital just before World War Two.

"My mother-in-law was one of the earliest babies born at the Bush Nursing Hospital in 1938, only eight months after it opened, and my husband was born here too," said Lyn, who reached her milestone 35 years of service on 15 March 2025.

'The Bush' turned into 'The Bays' in 1997, seven years after Lyn joined, and has since opened a new maternity unit and a day infusion unit.

This year it launched its new cancer centre, bringing radiation therapy services to the region to provide comprehensive treatment on the same site.

"When I first started, the Maternity Unit had only one communal bathroom and one lounge room with a single TV for everyone to share. There were no ensuites," Lyn said.

"Now our patients call it 'Hotel Bays' and enjoy a restaurant-quality à la carte menu!"

The longest-serving staff member at The Bays, Lyn is one of the hospital's dedicated Food Services Assistants –  and loves her regular interaction with patients and colleagues.

"I love the team I work with and the joy of delivering meals with a smile," she said.

"Getting out on the ward and delivering brekkie, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Meeting people.

"A lot of the patients come back again, so you see them on a regular basis, and I think they like it because we're a familiar face too. 

"I take pride in making their stay just a little more pleasant."

Jade Phelan, CEO of The Bays, praised Lyn's "unwavering commitment" to the not-for-profit hospital. 

"It is truly inspiring. Her kindness, strong work ethic, and dedication to ensuring patients feel at home have left a lasting impact," Ms Phelan said.

"We are incredibly grateful for her service and look forward to many more years with her as part of our team."

Read more: The Bays launches new cancer centre

Read more: Midwife's 40 years of beautiful baby stories

Next On The Ground:
6/5/2025 Staff save man's life after 'lucky' cardiac arrest

Previous On The Ground:
20/3/2025 New rehab ward for regional hospital