From the Manukau Courier, 25 February 2014
Keeping things running smoothly at Middlemore Hospital is what Moti Timoti does best.
The Counties Manukau Health orderly knows his way around every corridor of the hospital. And he greets every patient with a smile.
“I love meeting all patients and their families,” Mr Timoti says.
He is the first orderly in the country to officially sign up for a new national qualification.
Quality training manager Anne-Maree Angell says people don’t realise the job takes a lot of specific skills.
Transporting patients is not the only task that keeps orderlies busy. They also handle bloods, help in emergencies and reassure patients’ families in stressful times, she says.
“Sometimes my staff don’t feel valued but I always tell them they are just as important as the doctors,” Ms Angell says.
The national certificate in health, disability and aged support (orderlies) is made up of level three NZQA unit standards.
Course work will mainly be assessed on the job but theory is also involved.
District health boards across the country are offering the course through the Service and Food Workers Union and Careerforce.