Alongside her role as a social work advisor, Ms McGregor, who has been with MLHD for almost a decade, is a bereavement social worker and counsellor in palliative care.
“I have held a few positions which is one of the fabulous benefits of being a social worker – it is so very diverse,” Ms McGregor said.
“Within MLHD I have worked as a sexual assault counsellor, an acute social worker at Griffith Base Hospital and now a bereavement social worker and counsellor in palliative care.
“I have now also combined this with becoming the social work advisor which is a great way to connect with all the social workers across our district, of which there is about 90.”
One of Ms McGregor’s main goals is to assist young social workers to be the best they can be and introduce innovative methods of working.
“It is a privilege to be a social worker and help people get through some of their hardest days,” she said.
“We hope to be there to give support and advocate for what patients need and, on some days, just be there for them when they are alone.
“The work social workers do is emotionally hard, but so very rewarding at the end of the day.”
Social work is a family affair for Ms McGregor, with her aunt and cousin also working in the field at MLHD.
Ms McGregor’s passion has also rubbed off on her daughter Georgia, who is well on her way to becoming a qualified social worker.
“Excitingly, my daughter Georgia has just completed her fourth-year social work placement at Wagga Base and is just graduating as a social worker too,” Ms McGregor said.
“I am so proud of Georgia; she has just completed her 14-week placement at Wagga Base and during that time she was able to learn so much from our experienced social workers that has set her up beautifully to start a career in a strong way.”
Ms McGregor said she is pleased that her daughter understands how rewarding a career in social work can be.
“It is a pretty special thing for your daughter to recognise the value in helping vulnerable people and see what I do is worthy of emulating. It really is one of the best compliments that you could get from your child.
“I know Georgia will make a fantastic professional and I can’t wait to see where her career takes her.”
Social work is just one example of allied health. Other allied health services provided in MLHD include physiotherapy, speech pathology and nutrition and dietetics.
MLHD is celebrating Allied Health Professions Day (14 October) by showcasing some of our wonderful allied health workers, including Ms McGregor.
Here's where to find more information on working with MLHD in Allied Health.
