Allied health professionals celebrated at Gisborne Hospital barbecue event

Allied Health medical professionals at Gisborne Hospital enjoy a free barbecue lunch courtesy of the Rapid Relief Team to celebrate International World Allied Health Day.

The “unsung” medical professionals of Gisborne Hospital have been saluted with a midday barbecue lunch.

The Rapid Relief Team (RRT) marked International World Allied Health Day on Friday with a free lunch at which 500 RRT burgers and 400 sausages in bread were served.

Allied Health represents a wide range of health professions such as physiotherapy, pharmacy, occupational therapy, dietetics, speech language therapy, medical imaging and social work.

“The list goes on and on,” Hauora Tairāwhiti director of Allied Health and technical Carl McDonald said. “Allied staff are inclusive of the wider health team.”

McDonald said there were 40-plus Allied Health scientific and technical professions around the country.

“If the person is not a doctor, not a nurse and is a health worker, they’re very likely to be an Allied Health scientific and technical professional.”

“RRT were kind enough to support our Allied staff.”

Gisborne RRT leader Clarke Judd said International World Allied Health Day was an opportune time to thank Allied Health staff for their dedication, innovation and compassion.

“Your hard work ensures our health providers deliver comprehensive care for all patients across the country,” Judd said.

“We appreciate all our health workers. A lot of these professionals are involved in the background of our healthcare system and we think it’s important that they are shown some support and recognition.

“We believe in showing care and compassion to those in need and our healthcare professions do this on a daily basis.

“It’s a privilege to be able to put this meal on for them.”