As the cyclone brought challenges to Northern NSW, an extraordinary display of generosity and teamwork ensured patients and staff were well-fed and supported throughout the storm.
These are the stories we’ve been told about, but we know there will be many more examples across the District!
Homecooked tucker for Casino
Kevin (centre) delivering delicious homecooked meals
Casino staff appreciated the food cooked by caring local Kevin
Local community member Kevin Mason spent four days cooking for staff of Casino and District Memorial Hospital, preparing hearty meals such as pasta dishes, roast lamb and chicken with vegetables and gravy.
Not stopping there, he also baked homemade slices, biscuits and cakes to boost morale.
Kevin not only donated his time but also covered most of the cost of ingredients.
His daughter Marcia, who works as a cleaner at the hospital, helped deliver the food each day, when the weather allowed.
Meanwhile, the District’s Human Resources Manager Michelle McCray found herself isolated in western NSW during the cyclone due to road closures.
Determined to support her colleagues from afar, she insisted that food be collected from her own home in Casino.
Staff retrieved frozen meat, snacks and pantry supplies after receiving some enthusiastic cuddles from her two dogs.
The donated meat was delivered to Kevin, who worked his magic in the kitchen before sending the meals to the hospital later that evening.
“I know the staff were extremely grateful to both Kevin and Michelle for providing them with homecooked meals and treats, particularly the staff who remained onsite and unable to return home,” the hospital’s Executive Officer – Director of Nursing Sandra Vidler said.
“Whilst the hospital meals were available and staff did eat them, nothing beats good home cooking!”
Their kindness and generosity ensured Casino staff had more than just sustenance: they had comfort, community and a reminder they were deeply valued during an incredibly difficult time.
Lismore staff rally together
all hands pitching in to unload the food delivery
frozen meals at LBH
Despite gale-force winds and torrential rain, staff at Lismore Base Hospital proved wild weather and logistical hiccups couldn’t stop them from getting meals to patients.
At the peak of the cyclone’s impact, a late delivery of seven pallets of meal packs arrived at the hospital, requiring manual unloading.
When a call for help went out, Lismore staff didn’t hesitate to jump in.
HealthShare staff, hospital cleaners, security officers and others rolled up their sleeves and got to work, unloading the truck one pack at a time.
Anne Buckley, HealthShare General Manager Patient Services for Northern NSW, Mid North Coast and New England Local Health Districts, thought she was going to offload the packs with just a few staff, but when she arrived on site, she was more than relieved.
“The sight of so many of us working together to unload was truly heart-warming,” Anne said.
“It brought tears to my eyes and made me feel incredibly grateful to be part of such an amazing organisation.”
That spirit of teamwork extended beyond unloading supplies!
When the hospital’s staff found themselves without meals, they stepped up to support each another once again.
With Lismore’s main supermarkets closed, the Hospital’s Director of Nursing Narelle Gleeson and Executive Assistant Sonya Riordan made a quick dash to the only supermarket still open in the town, buying 80 frozen meals for staff who were pulling double shifts or staying overnight at the hospital.
A family room was set up, with a fridge and microwave that staff used whenever they were hungry.
The hospital’s Nursing Administration Officer Madeline Gray and Nurse (Surgical) Sam Cook also took on the task of delivering meals to freezers at each ward, making sure no one went without a hot meal.
Adding to the efforts, the hospital’s nursing uniform pool remained available, yet saw a surge in demand.
Photo caption
The cyclone couldn’t stop Lismore staff from uniting to make sure patients continued to receive meals.