Tarn at work as a barista

Every day, the RBWH Oncology Day Therapy unit sees hundreds of patients and their families who may be experiencing some of the worst days in their lives. It is here that patients come to see medical oncologists and receive treatment such as infusions and chemotherapy.

A very special Food and Retail Services staff member, Tarnia Haycock (known as Tarn) heads up the coffee cart in the area and has implemented a ‘pay it forward’ scheme whereby anyone can opt to pay in advance for a cup of coffee, for someone they will never meet.

Facilitated by Tarn, the good deed is paid forward to an unsuspecting customer who seems like they might benefit from a little pick-me-up.

“I wanted to help make the days of our patients and staff a little brighter and spread the kindness,” she said.

“Even if they’re having a terrible day they can still come and have a nice coffee and chat to me.

“The customers come to me expecting to pay for their coffee, so it’s always a lovely, unexpected surprise for them when I’m able to shout them one thanks to a generous person who has pre-purchased their beverage.”

Tarn also donates several cups of coffee from her own pocket each pay to the initiative.

Thank you, Tarn, for exemplifying the Metro North tagline of “putting people first”. It is special staff like you who make RBWH the great hospital it is.