Workplace tours are regularly organised for clients, providing them opportunities to meet employers and explore different occupations, up close. St John of God Accord NDIS Employment Manager and Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner Chris Milton joined five clients at a tour of St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital, and shares just a few of the positive take-aways for the group.
Upon arrival we were greeted by our welcoming and knowledgeable tour guides, St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital Clinical Educator Deirdre Phelan and Director Clinical Services Karen Ward, as well as Group Manager Mission Integration East Denis Byrne.
We began our tour in the Chapel and learned some of the different reasons why people may visit the Chapel. Our clients were impressed with the stained glass window that had been moved from the old Chapel. There were plenty of questions from our group. Len asked what kind of patients came to the hospital. Jayden wanted to know if babies were born there.
Next, we were shown the hydrotherapy pool where we spoke to physiotherapist, Jess. Jayden asked who takes care of patients in the pool. Len asked questions about the temperature of the pool and its upkeep.
Next, we met reception caregivers and one of the hospital’s environmental workers. He explained the main aspects of his role and what he carried in his trolley. Another member of our tour, Peter could relate closely, as he currently works as an environmentalist at another health care provider. Peter knew several caregivers working at St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital and was able to ask many questions during the visit. One question to Karen was about the different roles in the hospital.
We were very lucky to have a tour of the wonderful art room as it was such a bright space full of beautiful patient art. Our clients often enjoy drawing and anime themselves.
Along the hospital corridors we were shown photo boards displaying all the amazing nurses. We met many of those nurses in-person and saw both wings of the hospital.
Next, we saw an example of a patient’s room which was quite spacious with a beautiful green outside view. We learned about the client whiteboards where a patient’s medications and appointments are written.
We finished off the day with a lovely afternoon tea of healthy fruit juice and freshly baked slices provided by the hospital’s chef. The chef was the final occupation we learned about.
On behalf of St John of God Accord NDIS SLES, we extend our appreciation to Karen, Deirdre, Denis and the caregivers from St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital for all you did to make the tour happen. Thank you, especially, for the time you all gave up to run the tour. Our clients really enjoyed their visit and gained a great insight into the various occupations in a hospital.
Next steps from here?
- We are very excited about the prospect of starting a volunteer gardening project at the hospital. The hospital is such a lovely space in Frankston to visit. Our team has commenced planning, what a fabulous initiative for our clients to be involved in this summer.
- We are in discussions with the hospital about further opportunities for our clients, such as mock job interviews and work experience. Watch this space.
