Breakfast, lunch and kindness
Estelle has been delivering meals to patients for more than twenty years.
Patients at Redcliffe Hospital have been having breakfast with Estelle Berryman for more than twenty years.
Estelle is a food services officer, and she’s prepared and delivered more breakfasts than she can count.
These days, she mostly looks after patients and families in the hospital’s maternity and paediatrics wards.
It’s a lot of work, but Estelle says she loves it, particularly the special moments that she gets to spend with patients.
“It’s a good, fulfilling job,” Estelle said.
“To do a breakfast service in the maternity ward, takes about hour or so, depending on the number of patients.
“The patients are great, really. It’s just about spending time with them and being compassionate.
“If a mum’s cup of tea has gone cold while she’s feeding her baby, you run back and get another one. Just seeing how grateful they are, and that you’re appreciated. They are very grateful —that’s really good.”
After breakfast is taken care of, Estelle starts work on morning tea.
“We do the beverages as well. Tea, coffee, cordial, Milo, green tea, peppermint tea, apple juice, orange juice.”
“Kids love the flavoured milk, and they get a big choice. Plus, there are Zooper Doopers!”
Carmel Harvey is the Food Service Coordinator at Redcliffe Hospital, and she says Estelle is also helping to train new kitchen and food services staff – helping to pass on the values of compassion that are so important at Redcliffe Hospital.
“Estelle is exceptional at her job, she is dedicated and passionate about providing a high-quality service every day she steps into work,” Carmel said.
“She goes the extra mile for her patients and the team and holds so much valuable information which is why she is one of our main go-to people whenever challenges arise.”
In all, Carmel leads a team of more than 80 food services staff, who prepare and deliver 1,250 meals and refreshments to patients each day at Redcliffe Hospital.
Estelle says the feedback from patients she hears is encouraging too.
“I had one lady today say it was absolutely delicious and tasty. Most people are very happy with it. You get some funny little kids – other kids, they just demolish it,” she said.
Estelle says working at Redcliffe Hospital in the food services team was more than just about delivering food and drinks to patients.
“It’s making them happy – and then you’re happy in your job.”