This week we celebrate Operational Services Recognition Week (7 to 11 October), acknowledging the important work done by operational staff across the Mackay HHS.
Operational staff work both on the front line and behind the scenes, in crucial areas including food preparation, patient transportation, daily cleaning, groundskeeping, waste management, laundry and linen, security and care support.
To thank all Mackay HHS operational staff for their continued dedication and hard work, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the operational staff and the inner workings of our service.
Food services assistants Joanne and Sharon are celebrating a significant milestone this year as they have both been working in the Mackay Base Hospital kitchen for 35 years.
Both also take great pleasure in going the extra mile when it comes to serving patients despite busy shifts and a schedule that needs to run like clockwork.
Our food services assistants deliver food to patients, make sandwiches and salads and watch dietary requirements alongside menu monitors.
Joanne explains the importance of getting it right.
“We have a meal list we’ve got to follow so every time you hand out a meal you’ve got to check the paperwork and make sure you’ve got the right meal for the right person, right bed number, right diet,” she said.
“I love it, I love the interaction with people and having a laugh,” Joanne said.
Sharon agreed.
“The job is especially rewarding when you’re around the patients,” Sharon said.
Both also do high protein meal runs (for those who need extra nutrition) across various wards in the hospital.
“Sometimes they’re people who need a little bit of extra help,” Sharon said.
“They need help opening up the package and we want to encourage them to eat because they need that bit extra, that’s part of their recovery.
“That little action, those little things, can be a help to nursing staff as well, because we’re all busy.”
“I open up the meals for them; I feel that’s necessary,” Joanne said.
“Sometimes you’re helping older people and it only takes two minutes to give some old-fashioned service.”
Joanne also highlighted the importance of teamwork.
“It’s always good to help out,” she said.
“We all know what has to get done, so if you notice a job that needs doing you just do it.
“It’s a tight schedule every day and so we work together to help each other out.”
