Heroes of Bondi: Medics Who Saved Lives in Terror Attack Hailed as ‘Angels in Scrubs’ by PM Albanese
- Medical staff at St Vincent’s Hospital worked around the clock to treat victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack, with some travelling from as far as the Central Coast to help
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praises hospital staff as ‘heroes’ who ‘saved lives’ with their professionalism and compassion
- The attack claimed 15 lives and injured 40, but the hospital’s swift response ensured patients were in surgery just 12 minutes after arriving at the emergency department
In an emotional tribute, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has hailed the medical staff at St Vincent’s Hospital as ‘heroes’ who ‘saved lives’ in the aftermath of the devastating terror attack at Bondi Beach.
‘They went above and beyond the call of duty,’ Albanese said, his voice filled with emotion, after meeting the medical team on Wednesday. ‘They responded to this traumatic experience with professionalism, with compassion, and with the best of Australian values.’
Ordinarily, the hospital would have only enough staff to operate one theatre on a Sunday evening, but in the wake of the attack, the hospital was able to operate eight theatres at once, thanks to the dedication of medical professionals who rushed in to help.
‘At one point, patients were on the operating table just 12 minutes after arriving at the emergency department,’ Albanese revealed, highlighting the incredible efficiency and expertise of the hospital staff.
In a heartfelt address, Albanese praised the medical professionals, saying, ‘Today was an opportunity for myself and the Governor General to say thank you on behalf of Australians to the doctors, the surgeons, the nurses, the pathologists, the radiologists, the people who engaged in providing assistance to people in circumstances that were incredibly traumatic.’
Albanese also acknowledged the emotional toll the attack has taken on the medical staff, saying, ‘They went through an experience that they will never forget.’ He revealed that psychologists have been working with staff to provide support and ensure their well-being.
The Prime Minister also commended the community response, highlighting the incredible 50,000 people who have registered to donate blood. ‘We know that up to 100 donations are required for one surgery,’ he said, urging Australians to continue donating in the coming weeks.
Albanese described the attack as ‘an incredibly traumatic time for members of the Australian Jewish community’ that has ‘shaken our nation’. He vowed, ‘Our nation will respond. We will hold people to account for what has occurred.’
‘We will give whatever powers are necessary to our police forces, to our security and intelligence agencies, arising from this act of terror and act of anti-Semitism,’ he said, his voice firm with determination.
As the nation comes to terms with the devastating attack, Albanese called for unity, saying, ‘Australia will come through this. Hannukah is a festival of the victory of light over darkness… We need to, as a nation, come together and unite, to celebrate the best of humanity that we have seen here.’