What’s your career background?

I have 18 years experience in operating theatres at the HBDHB. I started as a graduate nurse and worked my way up to the associate clinical nurse manager role for the ENT, ophthalmology, maxilla facial and dental specialties.

Please describe what you do in your role?

Operationally I am responsible for the operating schedule, roster management, patient flow, infection prevention and control, education, department coordination and procurement.
I am also responsible for both capex and opex of the business as well as looking after recruitment and retention of staff, staff performance and growth including education and well-being.

I contribute to quality and risk, health, wellbeing and safety, policies, standards and guidelines.

What are you most excited about with being involved in a establishing a new elective surgery facility?

There’s so many aspects! Being part of something from the start is something unique. Being part of the Kaweka Health team means that my opinion counts and having the freedom to explore new and better ways to do things. One of the most exciting aspects is the opportunity to create a culture of excellence because we can put the staff first and we will value staff and utilise their brilliance to continually improve all aspects of Kaweka Health.

What has been a highlight so far…

Working with a team that genuinely inspires you and is dynamic in all of its approaches.
Learning completely new skills with the build and meeting new people.