July 5, 2024#WeAreNorthern
Meet Kathryn McKinley, Deputy Director, Allied Health.
Q: Firstly, what is your coffee order?
Almond latte.
Q: Tell me about your role as a Deputy Director of Allied Health – what does it entail, what does a typical day look like for you etc.
I started in this newly created role in February this year. My role works closely with Simone our Director of Allied Health, Jason our Chief Allied Health Office and all the Associate Directors of Allied Health. I lead some key portfolios for allied health including workforce, quality, capital projects, informatics, grants and other special projects.
It’s a great role. I’m really enjoying the challenge and working across the various allied health disciplines to lead and support a range of projects for allied health.
Q: What were you doing before joining Northern Health?
Before joining Northern Health in February this year, I was the Chief Speech Pathologist at St Vincent’s Hospital.
Q: What would people be most surprised to know about you?
Hmmm – this is a tough one. I grew up with two older brothers who played a lot of cricket and football. I followed them around, tried to do what they did but I was not allowed to play what were largely considered ‘boy sports’ at the time. Things have changed for the better with girls now being able to play what were once considered male only sports.
So fast forward 30-plus years and people might be surprised to know that after never playing competition football or cricket, I played a couple of seasons of AFL and am still playing cricket (cricket is much kinder to the body!).
Q: What is one place you would like to travel to and why?
I would love to make the trip from Darwin to Broome and see the Kimberley region – properly! Take a few weeks and then end up on Cable Beach watching the sunset. The remoteness and natural beauty are appealing, and it’s right at our backdoor.
