Trauma Service

Dr Valerie Malka
Trauma Director

Dr Valerie Malka has been the Director of Trauma at Westmead Hospital since 2000, a position which was expanded to involve the greater area of Western Sydney in 2003. She is a trauma and general surgeon with particular interests in Education and Quality Assurance, as well as being an EMST/ATLS Director and DSTC Instructor. Her greatest passion is in Humanitarian Work, having most recently joined the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Rescue Committee. Most recently she completed a Masters Degree in International Public Health with a major in Humanitarian Law. She is greatly committed to ensuring that patients receive the very best of trauma care, from the time of  injury to the time they are ready to return home to their families.

Julie Seggie
Trauma Coordinator

Julie Seggie joined the Department in 2004 as the Trauma Coordinator.  She has an extensive background in Trauma Nursing Care, having worked as a Critical Care Nurse for trauma and neuroscience patients for a number of years.  She also has long standing experience in trauma rehabilitation, disaster and education. She is committed to excellence and quality improvement and has proved to be a invaluable member of our team. Most people would not know that she holds a World Champion title  in fencing, which also serves to keep the staff in line.

Stephanie Wilson
SWAHS Trauma Coordinator

Stephanie has worked for 2 years at the Westmead Trauma Service as a Clinical Nurse Consultant and undertakes a diverse role.  This include quality assurance of trauma care within the Western Sydney Area Health Service as well as education and generation of policies to urban and remote areas.  This role encompasses education for the public  most notibly in the form of Trauma Week which received great accolation from the local schools and community.  With her ability to co-ordinate and maintain optimal patient care Stephanie works tirelessly to go beyond the expectations of her colleagues and the service. Her easy going personality and warmth has proved invaluable in forging a number of strong ties across the area.

Tanya Critchlow
Research Nurse

Tanya is the newest member of the Trauma Team whose main focus is Quality Assurance.  With her research knowledge gained during her comprehensive post graduate studies including a Masters of Nursing Degree and 10 years experience in Emergency Nursing she will significantly contribute to the service and its ongoing pursuit of excellence. She is the one with the big smile and infectious laugh.

Libby Braybrooks
Research Nurse

Libby, a Clinical Nurse Specialist, has been the Trauma Research Nurse since 2001. The role is more varied that the title implies.  As well as data collection, much of the time is devoted to auditing of the trauma system at Westmead hospital.  Libby has always been interested in Education and she continues to be involved with mentor programmes within the hospital as well as Trauma Week with its emphasis on educating the general public.  She is a constant calming influence and has a variety of interest outside of trauma which includes circumnavigating the world with her husband in their yatch.

Linda Gutierrez
Data Manager

Linda is the data manager for not only Westmead but the greater area of Sydney West.  She has been in this department since 1991 being responsible for all data entry and analysis including the generation of all detailed service activity reports and statistics.  She plays a great part in the running and organisation of Austrauma, our annual international trauma and critical care conference as well as this website.  She is a critical member of our service with an extraordinary enthusiasm for the advancement of this trauma service and the South American fire and passion that we need.