‘We go above and beyond in terms of advocating for our patients’: Piraveen’s commitment to service and innovation at Mercy Health
Over 100 years of expertise, skill and care guide our actions at Mercy Health. As a cornerstone of our communities, we’ve earned a reputation for stability and reliability. But we’re not resting on our laurels because there’s so much more to come. We spoke to one of our newest recruits, Piraveen Pirakalathanan, about the Mercy Health difference, his unique insight into where we’re heading and the legacy he wishes to leave behind.
Elevating care
Driven by a deep commitment to service and a passion for progress, Piraveen Pirakalathanan embodies the spirit of Mercy Health. As the Director of Medical Services at Mercy Hospital for Women, he navigates a dynamic landscape with an unwavering dedication to both patients and his team.
“The most important thing, in my opinion, is that we provide a safe and efficient service that cares for our patients in an effective manner,” he says. “Safety and quality are the primary interests of my role and that extends to supporting our staff so that they’re empowered in their roles.”
Since stepping into this pivotal role in April 2023, Piraveen has swiftly become an adept leader with an innovative, people-first approach to improving customer experiences and staff wellbeing.
Overseeing a spectrum of medical units, including obstetrics, gynaecology, neonatology, anaesthetics and emergency department, Piraveen’s seamless coordination ensures a culture of excellence where care resonates through every facet of Mercy Hospital for Women’s medical services.
“Beyond the operational components of the role, my goal is to ensure that we continue to evolve, develop and learn as an organisation and support the hospital to continue to meet the needs of our population now, but also into the future.”
Beyond the clinic
A seasoned medical doctor hailing from the University of Melbourne, Piraveen’s journey into healthcare leadership was inspired by a passion for patient care and a vision for systemic improvement.
After 5 years on the clinical frontline, Piraveen recognised the need for broader changes within healthcare systems. So, in 2015, he switched his career trajectory to focus on influencing quality, strategy and workforce dynamics.
“I loved clinical work and found it very rewarding,” he says. “But it was evident to me that there were some improvements that could be made at a systems level. So, I went on to do a fellowship at the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators, as well as an MBA.”
After honing his leadership acumen and strategic insight in a diverse range of hospital and private sector settings, Piraveen sought a new challenge when he moved to Mercy Hospital for Women in 2023.
“What appealed to me firstly was Mercy’s reputation both in the community and within the health care system as a provider that serves others, particularly through high-quality care. Secondly, I knew that Mercy Hospital for Women is by far one of the most well-regarded women’s and children’s hospitals in Victoria.
“I think there’s a higher sense of community and purpose at denominational organisations like Mercy Health. Since coming here, I’ve noticed that people don’t rely on hierarchical structures, and they embody their core values and carry through on them much stronger than other organisations.”
Embracing heritage and leaving a legacy
Outside the bustling corridors of Mercy Hospital for Women, Piraveen’s life revolves around his young family: his wife, a dedicated GP, their lively five-year-old son, and an enthusiastic pet Labrador, Snickers.
“Spending time with my family gives me a lot of joy,” he says. “Particularly with my son, who’s at a point where he’s learning new skills and picking up new sports every day. We like to prioritise social time together, going to cafes or trying out new restaurants. You could say we’re a bit of a foodie family.”
When looking to the future, Piraveen honours Mercy Health’s rich heritage and proud history of over 100 years. His vision is one where Mercy Health evolves dynamically and embraces contemporary models of care while remaining true to its core values.
“People who come to work here know that it’s a balance of being contemporary while holding our heritage and values close to our heart. We go above and beyond in terms of advocating for our patients while striving to be innovative and leaders in our field.
“I’m excited about our potential to grow our research presence and our training opportunities within maternity services. We’re intending to grow our neonatal research profile, and hopefully, gynaecology will be next. It will take some time, effort and investment but I’m striving to make those improvements part of my legacy here. For me, it’s all about leaving the place better than I found it.”
| Where there’s life, there’s Mercy. Where there’s care, there’s You. |
Last reviewed May 7, 2024.