2025 Employee of the Year: Cath Bateman

In July, LCHS held the 2025 Annual Staff Achievement Awards at The Prince Hotel in Melbourne. It was a fantastic way to celebrate the achievements of staff who are going above and beyond to live our values in everything they do.

Cath Bateman was awarded the Annual Achievement Award for the Medical Services and Oral Health Directorate, before taking out the top prize for the day, Employee of the Year.

Known as a skilled provider and fierce advocate for local, timely, and accessible sexual health care in Gippsland, Cath is the driving force behind the establishment and success of our Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub (LSRH) in Gippsland. The service supports clients with everything from contraception, abortion and menopause care to pelvic pain, and other sexual health concerns.

Cath works across three GP clinics in Gippsland to provide a conveniently located and affordable service to those who might not otherwise have access.

“Cath was recognised for her leadership and advocacy in growing our sexual and reproductive health services, including expanding into Warragul. Her commitment to improving care and supporting her team is deeply valued, and we’re thrilled to see her efforts acknowledged,” says Executive Director Medical Services and Oral Health, Vicki Doherty.

Pictured: Cath Bateman, Nurse Practitioner Candidate with her award.

Cath is passionate about advocating for a better model of care for people seeking early medical abortions, particularly around limiting the use of unnecessary ultrasounds which are common in early medical abortion care.

As a result of her incredible skills and enthusiasm, Cath is a well-respected colleague and valued team player. “She is always happy to share her knowledge, foster good relationships, and improve knowledge of her peers and others in the clinic without prejudice.”

Cath is currently training to be a Nurse Practitioner through a two-year master’s program at Federation Uni. This will support better availability for clients as Cath will be able to work independently from GPs, which means the services Cath provides will be available more frequently, in more places.

“The LSRH Hub is not just providing the best possible sexual and reproductive health care but is providing it with creativity, humour, enthusiasm, professionalism and innovation. Our patients need us at some of the most vulnerable times in their lives and they get compassionate, evidence-based care every day we operate,” says Cath.