By Anastasia Yates
For Tanya Ingham, it’s the small things like making a cup of tea or a hair cut that can make someone’s day.
After years in the “caring for people” business in a number of roles, the Health Service Assistant (HSA) has seen the benefits that adding just that little bit more to the care provided can have on others.
“It makes them feel like more than just a patient, they feel like a person,” she said.
“I’m always looking outside the box to find new ways of making people feel better.”
After being a hairdresser for 25 years and a stint in aged care, Tanya decided to study and make the switch to a role as a HSA at Bendigo Health.
And if that wasn’t helping enough people, she has also been a long-term foster carer for vulnerable children.
“I’ve looked after people my whole life,” she said.
“It makes [others] feel better, but it also fills my bucket too.”
During her shifts on Ward 5A, Tanya is known to find “a little something extra” in amongst her usual duties.
“Once I’ve restocked and organised the storeroom, I like to fill the little toiletry sample bags I made up,” she said.
The little shampoo, conditioner and soap packs are then handed out to patients if they need them.
“It feels good doing that and puts a smile on someone’s face,” Tanya said.
But she doesn’t forget about staff as she brings in a cake, biscuits or other baked goodies a couple of times a week.
And word has got around, with nurses coming from other areas to get a taste.
Tanya said it’s a sweet treat that can boost morale when time on the wards gets tough.
“Some days it can be so hard. Physically, emotionally, mentally,” she said.
“But I’m lucky because Ward 5A is a great place to work and we all work well as a team.
“A lot of things drain your bucket… so doing things for others fills my bucket and hopefully fills theirs.”
If you want to be your best with us, visit https://careers.lmhn.org.au/
Read more Be Your Best stories at https://bendigohealth.org.au/beyourbest