Judy Brownlee

Nurse Judy Brownlee was a main character in New Zealand television series [[Shortland Street] from 2001-2006.

Uncompromising and professional, Judy is a highly experienced senior nurse in her early 40's.

As the hospital's Nurse Manager, Judy kept her rightwing attitudes at bay, knowing that they could jeopardise her professional security in the PC world of health.

An excellent nurse, Judy's people skills can leave much to be desired, but she does have her soft side.

She was shocked to discover that nurse Anne Kahu was the daughter she gave up at birth but after a rocky beginning, she and Anne grew close. She was devastated when Anne died tragically and couldn't forgive Anne's husband Victor Kahu for making the final weeks of her daughter's life miserable.

Judy was respected by her staff and colleagues at Shortland Street, but does not make friends easily. She found love a few years ago with investigative journalist Max Henly, and married him just before he died of a brain haemorrhage.

Judy eased the pressures of her job by taking a spin on her motorbike, or spending time with her dog, Shorty. Vivacious PA Barb Heywood is one of her few close friends, but she has felt lonely since Barb moved to Southland with Dr Sticky Stickwell.

Judy found herself attracted to Dr Craig Valentine, head of the hospital's Emergency Dept. But Craig is now involved with Judy's friend Huia Samuels. Just when Judy has resigned herself to life as a single woman, an old friend Mitch has unexpectedly turned up at the hospital. Will she leave her beloved job and follow him to Australia?