Tess's final act of love inspires

As DonateLife Week approaches, the Townsville Hospital and Health Service reflects on the life and legacy of one of its own, Tess Thompson, whose final act of organ donation continues to inspire.

Tess was a critical care nurse with 30 years’ experience specialising in intensive care and emergency units, with her last role being critical care outreach nurse at
Townsville University Hospital.

Tess passed away suddenly in 2024 from a suspected heart attack.

She had just finished her shift and gone home, before being brought back to the hospital and admitted to the Townsville University Hospital intensive care unit (ICU).

Tess’s close friend of 25 years and fellow critical care outreach nurse Tash Mastrippolito said Tess lived and breathed her work as a nurse.

“She began her health career in Bowen and Mackay and started working at Townsville General Hospital in the cardiothoracic ICU almost three decades ago,”
Ms Mastrippolito said.

“Everyone knew Tess.

“Her work was her life; she was so dedicated.”

Tash said Tess touched the lives of many during her career but one of her biggest impacts was nurturing the growth and development of junior medical and nursing staff.

“She had a strong character and was very straightforward, deeply committed to patient advocacy, and had this incredible ability to challenge you and support you at the same time.

“That’s why so many of us looked up to her.”

Tess’s funeral was attended by over 600 people including the ambulance crews, medical, allied health, and operational staff she had worked with throughout her
career.

DonateLife Week runs from Sunday 27 July to Sunday 3 August, and is a time to remember the individuals who gave the gift of life and raise awareness of the
importance of encouraging people to talk about donation and register their decision.

“Tess was a passionate advocate for organ donation, so much so that when we opened Tess’s wallet her donor card was right there in plain sight,” Ms Mastrippolito said.

“Her father, sisters, and close friends collaborated to choose the path of organ donation, as it was her wish.

“It is special that on the most tragic day of a family’s life, they can feel some peace knowing that their loved one was able to help somebody else.

“Tess’s gift was one little glimmer of hope for all of us in the midst of losing her.”

DonateLife’s donation specialist nurse coordinator Meagan Baldwin said Tess’s legacy is a shining example of how one person can make a lasting difference.

“Individuals like Tess give others a second chance at life,” Ms Baldwin said.

“Her story reminds us that behind every donation is a person who cared deeply about others.

“While four in five Australians say they support organ donation, only one in three registers.

“DonateLife Week is a time to change that, to have the conversation, to make the decision, and to register.”

You can register in just one minute at donatelife.gov.au or through your Medicare account.