Leading with Kindness: Meet Emily King, Director Clinical Services

For newly appointed Director Clinical Services at Kellyville Private Hospital, Emily King, stepping into a new leadership role is about more than overseeing clinical services, it’s about empowering others to be the best version of themselves.

“This role is an honour, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to lead and support others,” says Emily.

“I’m looking forward to working collaboratively with our nursing teams, building on their strengths and creating an environment where everyone feels supported to deliver the best possible care for our patients.”

For Emily, effective leadership starts with listening, collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence.

“I want our teams to feel heard, valued and empowered. When we support our people to thrive, our patients ultimately benefit too.”

A passion for helping others

Emily’s passion for helping others began at an early age.

“I remember when I was four years old, telling my mum that I wanted to be a paramedic so I could help sick people,” recalls Emily.

While she didn’t quite follow that childhood dream, her desire to make a difference remained strong and ultimately led her to a career in nursing.

Starting her career as an enrolled nurse, Emily went on to become a registered nurse, gaining experience across mental health services, including drug and alcohol.

It was during a placement in mental health nursing that Emily discovered where she truly belonged.

“I realised it wasn’t the stereotypical setting you often hear about,” says Emily.

“I soon realised the positive difference and impact you could have on someone’s life as a mental health nurse, and I have never looked back.”

Her experience working in the Admissions and Assessment team gave Emily another perspective on patient care. As one of the first points of contact for patients and their families, she saw first-hand the questions, concerns and uncertainty people can experience when seeking mental health treatment.

“It gave me a really good insight into what patients and families are looking for when they first come through the door,” says Emily.

“It’s about understanding their concerns, explaining how treatment works and making sure they feel comfortable and supported.”

Working closely with doctors and multidisciplinary teams also broadened Emily’s understanding of the different perspectives that contribute to patient care.

From clinician to leader

For someone who never initially planned to pursue leadership, Emily’s progression into senior roles has been unexpected, but rewarding.

“Leadership was never something I intended to move into,” she says.

“But as I’ve progressed through my career, I’ve realised the impact you can have on the future of nursing.”

For Emily, leadership is an opportunity to help shape not only patient outcomes, but the careers and experiences of the nurses she leads.

“Having the opportunity to shape careers and support people to develop is really exciting,” she says.

“I can see how the work we do as leaders contributes to the future of nursing and that’s something I’m really passionate about.”

The power of listening

Despite her progression into leadership, Emily says one of the most important lessons from her clinical career remains simple: listen.

“The most important part of patient care is listening. People just want to be heard,” she says.

“Of course, you can give someone the medication that’s prescribed, but it goes beyond that. It’s having a conversation, being there to give someone a box of tissues or just sitting with them.”

For Emily, even the smallest interaction can make a difference.

“Go in with an open mind. Kindness can take you a long way,” she says.

“Any interaction you have with a patient, no matter how small, can make a difference. It could be as simple as a smile.”

It’s an approach that Emily hopes to bring to her new role at Kellyville Private Hospital — leading with empathy, listening to her teams and keeping the person at the heart of every interaction.

Because for Emily, great healthcare is not only about what you do for someone. It’s also about how you make them feel along the way.