Vale Di Gluckstern - a nursing pioneer and champion for change
Vale Di Gluckstern - a nursing pioneer and champion for change
25 Jul 2022
In the early 1980’s Di Gluckstern (nee Butler) became the first dedicated nurse to join the newly established Alcohol and Drug Service at St Vincent’s.
After considerable lobbying by St Vincent's, the then NSW Premier, Neville Wran recognised the importance of harm minimisation, opting for a health oriented approach to substance use and addiction, rather than a criminal one, pledging to dispense with a raft of petty crimes such as public drunkenness. Instead it became understood, that people with alcohol and drug dependence responded better to health and social interventions rather than law enforcement.
Consequently, NSW established a network of hospital based alcohol and drug units, including at St Vincent’s.
“These were heady days and Di was involved in the planning and development of the Alcohol and Drug Service at St Vincent's Hospital. Di was always very clear that she was a staunch supporter of harm reduction, drug law reform, human rights of people who use drugs, and of social justice”, recalled Professor Alex Wodak, Emeritus Professor and then Director of St Vincent’s Alcohol & Drug Service.
Her colleagues remember Di for being a staunch advocate for people with substance use issues, sex workers, people with mental ill health, and people experiencing homelessness. She was one of the early, but fierce, advocates for our vulnerable community members that we advocate so hard for today.
Di was a trailblazer in this space. And upon retirement her commitment never waned, as she continued to work with marginalised people in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Di passed away suddenly this month. She will not be forgotten, but celebrated - her work has pathed the way for so many. Di embodied what we now call “the St Vincent’s way”, before it was even coined as a term.
“Di was a warm, engaging person who was full of life. Judging people was not of interest to her but offering practical and compassionate help to vulnerable people definitely was”, said Prof Wodak.
Go gently, Di.
Di Gluckstern (nee Butler) on her first day at St Vincent's.