Joel Bardsley served as the Chief Superintendent Deputy Director Operations, NSW Ambulance Service, covering south western Sydney for six years, before taking up his new role at the hospital in late January.

Prior to that, he was a registered nurse and worked his last shift within the district at Fairfield Hospital in 2005.

“I have a long history in health care and I still love patients and working with them,” he said. 

“I’m a good communicator and I’ve been through redevelopment and redesign, I still care so much about patients and I think that is the key.”

Mr Bardsley has started at a time of change and growth at Bowral hospital, and said he was pleased to be a part of such an exciting time in history. 

"I’m not going to lie I’ve had my moments where things have been very overwhelming but I think that’s part of the challenge for me,” he said. 

“This significant redevelopment of the hospital will ensure excellent health care for the people of the Southern Highlands well into the future.

“I am looking forward to working together with the community as we bring world-class health facilities to the region.”

Mr Bardsley was part of NSW Ambulance Service for several years, where he worked as a paramedic, intensive care paramedic and operational management.

He has led many large scale operations including Commander for the International Naval Fleet Review as well as multiple New Year’s Eve events, and most recently had a major role in the operations of the first ambulance Superstation at Bankstown.

Mr Bardsley was awarded Ambulance Unit Citations in 2010, 2012 and 2014 for his roles in major incidents including the Martin Place Siege.

“[This] was all a great link for me to come over here and do the same thing but with redevelopment of a hospital,” he said.

“It’s fantastic."