Dr Kevin McCaffery

respected colleague who has left QCH too soon.

Thank you for your kindness, guidance, support and humour. You will be so so missed.

Ruth and family, Our deepest condolences. Kevin holds a special place in our lives - he's responsible for our child's first hair cut. He was placing an IV in their forehead at the time but had the thought to capture the moment, despite the circumstances. And we still have the lock of hair in a specimen jar. It’s a memory we cherish and an example of his kindness and attention to detail—not just as a doctor, but as a person who truly cared for his patients and their families.

Here's to all the wonderful times, exciting research, and adventures. You leave a massive hole in our lives, and we appreciate everything you have done for your family, your friends, Scouts and Queensland Health.

His support, mentorship and teachings meant a lot. His commitment to bettering care provided to in need patients truly inspirational. He will always be remembered as someone truly special. RIP.

Kevin will always remain a star in our eyes. Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time. Kevin will be greatly missed.

We are incredibly saddened by this news. Our condolences to Ruth and family. It has been a real privilege for us to work with Kevin. Rest in peace Kevin. Sophie, Julia, Clare, Angie and Adam

Dear Ruth, Just cannot express enough how sad I am to learn that Kevin is no longer with us. Not only was he a top Consultant, Doctor, Leader , to everyone he worked with he was also just a really nice top bloke. I feel honored and lucky to have worked with him and known him. I hope that time provides healing and that his work , passion for good medicine and his smile continue in his memory.

A devastating loss to his family, friends, colleagues, and the children of Queensland. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from Kevin, and I will try to meet his example. My most sincere condolences to his family. I am so sorry for your loss.

Such a devastating and profound loss for everyone who knew Kevin. Wishing Ruth and all of Kevin’s family my condolences at this awful time. I will always remember Kevin as a wonderful and inspirational colleague who taught me so much. A great man gone too soon. xx

We are both old doctors young in the army. We’ve had long chats about family, medicine and plans for life. Such shock surprise, such tragic loss! Do not go gentle into that good night, Kevin. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

He was a good egg and I miss him. The kind of support Kevin offered was unassuming, unquestioning and unwavering. He was there for me when I needed it. In a way that was enough and just right. Ruth - to you and your family - my heart goes out to you. This is just devastating.

Kevin was one of my bosses at QCH and he was kind, gentle, honest, warm and funny. He helped me greatly at a time I felt unmoored and lost, and shared his knowledge so generously too. I could go to him with anything and know that he would help. A wonderful human.

A remarkable Physician and family man. He will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family

Ruth and family- my heart goes out to you all. A truly special person and often a very welcome calm face in the middle of the night when we needed to admit someone. Kevin will be sorely missed.

Sincere condolences to the McCaffery family. Kevin was a truly great man, and I consider myself privileged to have worked with him in PICU, though only for a short while. His impact was profound, and his legacy will live on.

We are so sad for this news. A truly, wonderful, caring, intelligent man who used his skill and dedication to save the lives of so many children. His spirit will live with us forever more. Deepest sympathy, Amanda, Kara and Peter.

Kevin was a compassionate, caring, and approachable person. He was also a devoted husband, father, mentor, and friend. His quiet strength, generosity, and unwavering support left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. As a leader in healthcare, Kevin’s legacy includes life-saving innovations and tireless efforts to improve care in both hospitals and humanitarian settings. His deep commitment to helping vulnerable children was truly inspiring. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. My heartfelt condolences go out to Ruth and the family. 🙏 Om Shanti 🙏

Very shocked and sad to hear of Kevin's passing. He was a great colleague and clinician, always very humble, curious and thoughtful about the kids in his direct care and passionate about improving systems for the many who weren't. He was one of the people I went to for help and support when I started as a junior consultant and always treated me and all others with respect and as a true colleague, sharing his experience generously and enabling others to develop. His too short life had a great impact on improving our culture, systems and care for the sickest children and he will be missed.

In memory of Kevin. With love from us all in the ED at Ipswich Hospital

Thank you Ruth for sharing your husband with us. One of my favourite PICU consultants who treated me with respect and kindness. Loved running a resus with him.

A man who will be much missed across QCH and beyond. From trading quips and Scottish brogue, with canny reflections on our healthcare system and innovative solutions for tricky conundrums, to his calm excellence in a clinical crisis, Kevin was unfailingly kind and supportive. My condolences to Ruth and his family.

Heartbroken & shocked to hear this news. Kev will be so missed by all, rest easy now dear friend ❤️ Sending all our love to Ruth and family 🥰

Kevin made such a positive impact on those who worked with him, the families he cared for and so many more who were helped by his initiatives and research. It was an absolute privilege to learn from him during my PICU term and more recently I was always glad to hear his voice on the end of the phone. A lovely human, a pleasure to work with and an inspiration. He will be missed, my deepest condolences

Remembering Kevin as always a pleasure to work with. Condolences to Ruth and the family.

My condolences to Ruth and family. Words are not enough to express my sorrow at his untimely death. It has been a privilege to work with Kevin - he was clever and innovative and caring. With those qualities he made a difference to so many children and families, and he showed us all how to embrace life, its opportunities and adventures.

Spreading love from one family to another

Sending our love to you all ❤️

With Kevin’s untimely passing I am reminded of the many ways that he had made a personal impact as a colleague and a friend. I will remember his unwavering devotion to his role as a holistic healer of children, as a teacher of other health professionals, as a researcher, and most importantly his love for his family and friends.

A truly devastating loss to the Paediatric and Neonatal community. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Rest peacefully Kevin!

I have fond memories of working with both Ruth and Kevin at Mater PICU. Kevin's legacy will live on through his incredible work to improve the safety of sick children. My thoughts are with his whole family.

Dear Ruth and family My sincere condolences to you and your family during this sad time. Kevin was an incredibly humble and kind man and physician. He was so beautiful in his interactions with families in PICU, where I had the privilege to work with him. He will be missed.

A truely incredible and inspiring colleague, mentor, educator and human being. He will be sorely missed by the entire paediatric community.

I had so many chats with Kevin in the tearoom! A true gentleman, absolute legend, I loved hearing him speak about Ruth and the kids, his family was everything! The couch will miss him as much as we all do!

Such a pleasure to work with Kevin over the last seventeen years. Always a delight when he was on in PICU to have him providing the very best of care to his patients with a minimum of fuss and when time allowed to hear of his latest adventure. You will be greatly missed Kevin.

In memory of an excellent doctor and fierce advocate for patients. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

❤️

I’ll always be grateful for Kevin taking the time to look after a scared adult trainee starting out in PICU. He made work feel safe and fun. His love for life, his family and looking after the kids always shone through. My deepest condolences to you all ❤️

Kevin was a fantastic Intensivist, a source for life advice and always had time for a friendly chat. His dedication to the children of QLD directly saved lives. I will miss his excitement when discussing inventions or research, his calming whistle along the hallways of PICU and the attention his toe-shoes demanded.

My sincere condolences to Kevin's family, friends and work colleagues. You won't meet a kinder, friendly, unassuming and more helpful person than Kevin. He will be missed by all.

with deepest sympathy

Kevin was a an exceptional doctor, researcher, educator and advocate for excellent paediatric care. His care for his colleagues was exceptional and I feel proud to have known Kevin as a colleague and friend. Ruth my heart goes out to you and your family, please know I am always here for you x

Kevin was so kind to me from trainee days and beyond, and always a supportive colleague. He showed deep empathy to families and taught me the importance of this. Deepest condolences to Ruth and family.

Kevin was very enthusiastic about teaching and extremely supportive of his junior team. He always stayed after hours to ensure patients were safe, and even spent time teaching in the early hours of the morning. His teaching sessions were always interesting given his breadth of experience and anecdotes. He inspired us with his many pursuits outside of daily clinical work. It was a privilege to work with him and learn from him. I’m so sorry for your loss. 🤍

Ruth and family, so deeply sorry for the loss of Kevin. He was the funniest character and an amazing person to be around both personally and professionally. He always loved a good story about all his family and we loved to listen. His ability to MacGyver equipment was inspiring. Thinking of you all and hope the wounds heal with time RIP Kevin xx

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Ruth. Kevin was always so kind, patient and giving of his time and expertise to others. I learnt so much from him, and was always grateful for his insights preparing for M&M. A great loss to his family, friends, and paediatric community.

An incredible Dr who will be sorely missed. It was a privilege to work with you and listen to your wild stories. The world is a little duller now. Rest easy Kevin

Sending love to the McCaffery family during this devastatingly sad time. I’ll be forever grateful to Kevin for his dedication to medical and nursing education and his gentle reliable presence when he was on service. He often told me that the number of laps he did reflected how concerned he was or was not for a particular patient. Kevin demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the children, families and staff within his care. Warm, charismatic and quick witted, especially when it came to his questionable shoe choices! We all miss you and your tea room banter Kevin, your absence leaves such big (toe) shoes that no one could ever possibly fill!

We love you and will miss you so much big brother xx

A great man and clinician who will be truly missed. Always patient in teaching and calm in a crisis. Kevin thank you for all your support and knowledge you freely shared; I will miss all the silly jokes. All my thoughts are with Ruth and the family.

Thank you Kevin for all your stories, teaching and enthusiasm. You've always inspired me to do that little bit extra. A humble leader with a heart for his family and community.

Dear Ruth and family, My heart breaks for you hearing the loss of Kevin. He has been such a power house in the paediatric health space and I know that his passing will be felt immensely. Kevin was an amazing support to me as I entered PICU fresh out of my grad year as a baby RN. I can remember sitting at patients’ bedsides with him plotting the trajectory of their vital signs during their hospital stay on the not yet released CEWT form. Now as a university lecturer teaching recognition and response to acute deterioration to third year nursing students, I speak of Kevin and the work he has done weekly. We talk about the same cases that Kevin and I spoke about to show the impact that early warning tools have had to the health outcomes of patients. So rest assured, his legacy will go on. Sending so much love, Ashlee Stirling (Betts)

I knew Kevin through Agoonoree. All I can say is, it was a privilege. His care, compassion and respect for others was always evident. Thinking of you all.

I learned so much from Kevin during my short time in PICU, particularly the way he communicated in challenging situations! He was always kind and respectful to colleagues, and I was so relieved to hear his voice on the other end of the phone for retrievals! Thinking of his family at this difficult time, he will be missed by so many.

May the personal and professional legacy that Kevin leaves behind never be forgotten.

Ruth and family. I am so sorry for your loss. I loved every shift I worked with Kevin from my first day as a PICU registrar to the last time I handed over to him as a consultant colleague. He was someone I could go to with all the questions I was too ashamed to ask anyone else. He supported me quietly and non-judgementally through a ‘yip’ I developed in my early consultant years. And I always looked to him as an example of someone who could be a substantial member of the PICU community while also having other interests and most importantly always prioritising family. He glowed every time he spoke about you. May you find peace and joy in your memories.

Thank you Dr Kevin for always being so kind compassionate with amazing stories and a strong sense of humour. My fondest memory of Kevin was him showing me the wallet he was making for Ruth, telling me how easy it was, so much so he convinced me to buy a strip of leather which is still collecting dust in the garage..

Dearest Ruth, I have no words that can even begin to describe this devastating loss. I wept as soon as I heard and, even though the PICU family will forever feel this loss, my heart breaks for you and your family. Sending you all the biggest hug, knowing no one and nothing will ever replace him. I will always remember his beautiful soul and the halls will forever feel painfully quiet without his whistling 💔.

KMac, thank you for always taking the time to teach me, for being the most genuine and caring doctor and person and for always making us laugh wearing those hideous toe shoes. You really were one of the best and you’ll leave a huge hole in the lives of all who knew you. Rest easy my friend.

I worked with Kevin on and off for close to a decade, and every shift was an honour. He was kind, patient, adventurous, inspiring, hilarious and always there for a kind word or a dark comeback. Thank you Ruth and family for sharing him with the PICU. I watched his service online today and saw so many of his characteristics in his brave children who spoke. Rest easy Kevin, the world will miss you.

In memory of Dr Kevin McCaffery. Ruth I wish you and the kids didn’t have to go through the tremendous grief and pain that the loss of Kevin has caused you. He was loved so deeply by so many people and this is a great way to honour the man and Dr that he was.

I will always remember the kindness Dr McCaffery showed towards both patients, families and colleagues alike and the educational wisdom he always shared with the critical care nursing teams when needed. you will be greatly missed! I’m so very sorry for your loss Ruth.

Kevin was a great clinician, during my time as an ECMO and retrieval nurse at Mater Children's Hospital PICU he taught me so much. His calm approachable nature along with his bedside manner was exceptional. His influence and involvement in Ryan's Rule was inspiring, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on for years to come. To Ruth and family please accept my sincere condolences. My thoughts are with you all during this sad time.

We are both humbled to have worked with you however blessed to have had you care for our Joseph when he was in PICU. We will never forget your empathy and kindness you showed us when we needed it most. May you Rest in Peace. Sending our love to Ruth and your beautiful children.

Such a devastating loss to the PICU family, the children of Queensland and all that knew Kevin. He will be missed by so many. Ruth and family, our arms are around you. Much love. Vale Dr McCaffery x

Sending all our love to Ruth and family.

What a brilliant photo. How lucky we were to have Kevin as a colleague. His kind, respectful, and warm advice and teachings were intertwined with his cheeky Scottish quips, grin, and love of life. Calm and kind always. I'll remember him bounding out of the overnight picu room sporting a grin and toeshoes to artfully support a junior colleague adjust a child's ecmo settings, electrolytes, inotropes, etc. He transformed paediatrics, saving lives with his huge CEWT truck. Not to mention his impact within scouts and the army. Thinking of you Ruth and your beautiful family.

Thinking of Kevin's family at this very sad time. Remembering his kindness, wisdom and support in the care of patients.

Thinking of you all and sending lots of love and hugs.

I love you so much, thank you for always counting me as yours x

My condolences to you Ruth and your family, forever in our hearts ♥️

Thanks to Kevin for teaching us, nurturing us, making us laugh and egging us on to have more kids. We’ll always remember him.

All my love to you Ruth and your family at this unfair time. Rest easy Kev knowing how loved you were.

Funniest Bloke, Amazing Doctor, and Best tea room chatter! Love x

I will always remember Kevin as a paediatric intensivist who made time for neonates ( and the neonatologists). His kindness and wisdom will be missed 🤍

Kevin made a huge difference to children all over the world, not only through his work, but the interactions with colleagues and trainees. His thoughtful approach, civility and care will be remembered.

Remarkable human and missed dearly by us all

A truely awesome human and clinician. You will be sorely missed and your legacy will live on for PICU generations to come. Will miss your humour, amazing knowledge and bedside manner. The loss to QCH and wider community is immense and I send my love to all your family and friends.

What an amazing person, colleague and friend Kevin was. Such sad news. Big hugs to you and your family Ruth.

He will always be remembered by many for all good things he did for Paediatrics community! Rest in Peace Dr Kevin!

Kevin will be remembered by many across Queensland who he helped train as a compassionate and approachable teacher whose knowledge and dedication was a shining example to us all. He cared for our welfare and our patients and families alike. We will miss you Kevin.

Heartfelt sympathies to Ruth and family. RIP Kevin-a wonderful colleague and a great man.

Beautiful Human being. Amazing teacher and great listener. I am deeply sorry for your loss Ruth. Words are not enough to express my sadness for you and your family. God bless him and give you patience and strength. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kevin was wonderful to work with and clearly loved his family immensely. He was always willing to give advice and took time to do so which I very much appreciated. As a fellow Glaswegian in QCH, it always made me smile that people struggled to understand us when we talked to each other at full speed with additional colloquialisms. Rest in peace Kevin and deepest condolences to your family, friends and colleagues.

Kevin was not only an exceptional intensivist but also a generous one who helped me through my ICU exams. It was a privilege to have worked with him and his presence will be deeply missed.

Dear Ruth and family, we're so sorry for your loss. Kevin was an amazing person and leaves an incredible legacy. Thinking of you all at this time. Xxx

Kevin was a simply wonderful person!!! He was an excellent intensivist, highly knowledgeable, innovative and always with a never give up attitude... He was warm hearted and humorous, always willing to help out trainees ..totally dedicated to the cause...

My heart goes out to you Ruth, and your family as you navigate this heartbreaking and unimaginable loss.

Kevin, You were a great guy both as a doctor and as a family man. Glasgow's loss was always Australia's gain and your legacy says it all. You loved and lived life to the last. Much love to Ruth and all the family at this difficult time . xx

Condolences to you Ruth & family, I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad and difficult time. Kevin was such a wonderful doctor and person. He saved so many children’s lives. I loved working with him and he taught me so much. He had great stories and he was so kind to everyone. We will all miss him so much. He’ll never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Kev Xx

Love to you and the family.

Grateful to have witness such a compassionate man caring for the children of qld and for his calm (whistle) during high stress times. Evidently a family man, always speaking about his wife and children with such pride and joy. Thank you Kevin for being a truely great human.

Kevin was an exceptional intensivist for our metabolic babies-children-families, but he was a better person. Vale Kevin you will be missed

You will be missed by all of us Kevin, Rest in Peace my friend.

Thinking of Kevin’s family at this sad time. He was such a great person to work with and will be missed greatly

Kevin had a profound impact on his patients and his colleagues. We

An exceptional human being, an amazing intensivist, and a cherished colleague. Thank you for everything you’ve done—not only for the children of Queensland and their families, but for the hundreds of staff you’ve mentored, guided, and taught along the way. Your legacy will live on always. Sending all my love to you and your children, Ruth xx

A wonderful mentor and an inspiration to us both. We will miss him.

Sending love and thoughts to your family KMac. You will be remembered for all the things already noted here, and most especially for your toe shoes, memes and tongue in cheek jokes. Vale KM. Rest peacefully.

Had the privilege to work aside Kevin for many years. He was one of the most respected and respected people our family, he treated even one as an equal, it didn’t matter what your job Kevin made sure you were thanked, loved and respected. Here is to you paving the way.

Oh Ruth, I can’t even begin to imagine the heart break you’re going through, we’re all here for you though, whenever you need us. I’ll miss Kev, even though I had to always ask him to translate everything into English for me! Top Bloke xx

A heartbreaking loss. Fantastic doctor and the kindest man.

Love, thoughts and hugs with Ruth, family and friends of Kevin. A huge loss. Thank you for all you have done over your lifetime Kevin. you will be dearly missed.

Kevin was truly one of a kind- friendly, humble and exceptionally knowledgeable (with extra bonus points being a fellow Scot!) He will be greatly missed by us all in PICU. Sending lots of love to his family and friends. Gie it laldy, Kevin! xx

An honour to work with Kevin. One of the nicest consultants in PICU. Easy to work with, approachable and always have time for. wee chats. Rest easy Kevin.

A fantastic person and doctor. We will miss seeing him lounging on the couch in the tea room, hearing his whistle around the unit and his timely dark sense of humour. Lots of love to his family and friends. Xx

Kevin brought so much fun, passion, wisdom and calm (when needed) to shifts in PICU. He will be missed.

I had so many chats with Kevin in the tearoom. I loved to hear about you and Kids. Regarding patient care , he was so aproachable and handle difficult situation very calm. We are so much missing him in the tearoom coutch and walking in PICU with coffee mug and the whistles. My heartfelt condolences Ruth and Kids. Take care💕🙏🙏

In appreciation of Dr. McCaffery's contribution towards improving paediatric care.

Live life to the fullest, go on adventures, be kind, caring, love and teach others, for some it ends too soon x We all miss you Dr Kevin.

Kenivin, although not knowing you personally, you have left a huge legacy on earth. May you look down very proudly at your beautiful family. Ruth and family my sincere love to you all at this time.

Condolences to Ruth and family. Kevin was a wonderful person and doctor. He has taught me so much over the years. Loved working with him and will miss the tearoom chats.

My deep condolences, Ruth, your family and friends. For me as a work colleague, Kevin taught me the importance of calmness in an emergency situation. I felt that I was heard by Kevin with clinical questions and general life enquiries. I never forget the tea room conversations with Kevin such as a camping monster truck, publishing children's book for his kids, leather crafting and ideas of CPAP mask with sparkling eyes. Kevin is an inspiration for my growth. Thank you, Kevin.

Thanks Kevin for all that you have done & continue to do for the safety of children

From the bottom of my heart I am sending all of my support <3

Offering our condolences to Ruth and family. Kevin was an incredible human being who always had time for everyone . His humour, kindness, patience was unique and to add an excellent intensivist.

Dear Ruth, Words cannot convey how sorry I am for the loss of your incredible husband Kevin. My hope for you and your children is that in time, you will find peace in all of your beautiful memories. Thinking of you all xxx

A solemn promise, Kevin, that your compassionate and uplifting teaching will be carried forward by those who have had the privilege of receiving it. I shall personally share how the power of an honest smile and gentle explanations can convey more than innumerable insipid words.

What an honour to work alongside Kevin and learn to know him as the wonderful man he was. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. The definition of a legend.

Sincere condolences to Ruth and family at this difficult time. I will miss the interesting conversations about the army, his adventures and it was clear he was so proud of his family. Always calm, friendly, funny and caring. So full of life and energy. He took the time to listen and was always approachable. A great man. RIP Kevin

My condolences to you Ruth and family, Kevin was a humble colleague who was approachable with many other qualities. I didn’t know him that well but the short interactions I had with him over the years certainly left an impact.

Love you guys so much. ❤️