Source: Waikato District Health Board
Night shift workers ending their shift at Waikato Hospital and their daytime colleagues on their way to replace them were greeted by the pleasant aroma of a BBQ on Thursday morning as a Hamilton charity cooked thousands of burgers to say thank you for their work.
Health NZ Waikato Interim Manager Health and Safety, Kent Holdsworth, said all dietary options were catered for at the event that was provided by the Hamilton branch of the international charity, the Rapid Relief Team (RRT).
“About 4000 fresh hamburgers were cooked by the RRT staff including vegetarian and gluten-free options with fruit pottles and bottled water also available.
“This is the second year in a row the RRT have donated their time and the food in appreciation for the work done by our staff at Waikato Hospital and what’s really humbling is learning a large number of the volunteers took time off work to be part of this event.”
RRT Hamilton leader, Braden Goddin said his team were all very pleased to be able to show the hospital staff their gratitude for the remarkable work they do every day.
“All our volunteers were able to recall when hospital staff helped them with skill, kindness and compassion in times of real need, so it’s very pleasing to be able to show them in some small way how much we appreciate and respect them, and their special work.”
Kent said not only had the RRT provided this show of appreciation to staff at Waikato Hospital, they wanted to ensure workers in the district’s rural hospitals are included as well.
“As a result of their generosity we have scheduled events to be held at our Tokoroa, Thames, Taumarunui and Te Kuiti hospitals over coming weeks.”
Pictured from left is RRT volunteer Joel with Health NZ Waikato’s Group Director Operations Hospital and Specialist Services, Michelle Sutherland centre and RRT volunteer Grant on the hotplate.