Masseur tends to weary hospital staff

Masseur Antonia Faith is providing hospital staff some welcome relief over the winter months. PHOTO/PAUL TAYLOR

Masseur Antonia Faith is providing some much appreciated relief for staff who are coping with a busy hospital this winter.

Hawke's Bay Hospital has been busy since June and Provider Services executive director Sharon Mason wanted to do something to show her appreciation to staff, and to recognise how hard they have worked over the last few months.

As part of a Wellness initiative staff had been able to book in a 15-minute massage with Antonia over the past three weeks and were encouraged to take the quick break.

Occupational health nurse Jane O'Kane said 15 minutes massage had been really well received with comments such as "fabulous", "made my day", "so thankful," from staff.

Mrs Mason said the constant busyness took a toll on staff, and there had been little reprieve with so much sickness in the community through the winter.

"I was only too pleased to offer staff a bit of a break that also made them feel good.

"Antonia is a fabulous masseur and we will definitely look at these kinds of ideas again to show staff our appreciation," she said.