Rochester and Elmore District Health Services celebrated Safe Work Month and Allied Health Day on Thursday with an on-site coffee van and hot beverages available for staff.
REDHS chief executive Karen Laing said the initiative was a fun, yet important way to thank staff for their work and engage people in ongoing conversations about safety.
“The coffee van is always a popular way for us to express our thanks for staff, and to engage people in important conversations,” Mrs Laing said.
“It also gives the café staff a little break.
“When people are busy it can be difficult to get away from their desks or work stations.
“But there’s nothing like a freshly-brewed latte as the perfect excuse for a well-deserved break.
“It’s also an easy way to connect and talk.”
Community Care manager Susannah Hargreaves said allied health professionals were an essential part of the team at REDHS, and the on-site coffee van provided an opportunity to recognise this team.
“The allied health team plays an important role in supporting our community to function well physically, socially and emotionally,” she said.
“It’s rewarding for our team to see the benefit of the care we provide.
“Nothing is more rewarding than keeping our local community living independently and well in their own homes.
“REDHS Allied Health professionals use their specialised knowledge and skills to provide important services including occupational therapy, podiatry, physiotherapy, dietetics, social work, plus allied health assistance and group exercise classes.
“Last, but not least, we do not forget our allied health ‘allies’: our wonderful customer service and administration team which includes intake and referral, health promotion, as well as our allied health students.
“A free coffee is just a small way of saying ‘thank you’ to everyone for working together as a team, to deliver the best care for our community.”