CALVARY HOSPITAL VISITS

20/10/2011

Supporting those caring for others

ACM students massage staff at Calvary Health Care Adelaide which includes the private hospitals of Calvary North Adelaide, Calvary Wakefield, Calvary Rehabilitation and Calvary Central Districts.

They are a part of the national Catholic health care organization, the Little Company of Mary Health Care and their work continues on the tradition of compassionate care begun by the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, who came to Australia in 1885.

As the vision statement of The Calvary Hospital indicates it is to excel and to be recognised as a continuing source of healing, hope and nurturing to the people and communities they serve. This is the heart of the ‘being for others’ and is the basis of the care they give.

ACM students have volunteered to attend 3 of the 4 Calvary Hospitals this year, providing 15 minute seated massage to these dedicated workers. From the reception and administration staff, to the nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, through to the kitchen staff all were grateful and deserving massage recipients.

ACM took the opportunity to demonstrate to the staff how they identified with ‘being for others’, as the students were able to give a little back to them.

Our health care system relies on caring individuals to operate. Many individuals are attracted to the health care industry as they are passionate about helping people and accordingly are often driven to go above and beyond what their role requires.

On a daily basis, health care professionals can see the lasting impact they have on patient’s lives and may even be involved in saving their life. To help people is a rewarding and satisfying thing and it is fortunate to be able to make a difference to people’s lives and this can also be achieved through massage.

Some of the feedback from the staff included:

“Excellent – a very professional service”

“Technique excellent”

“Fantastic initiative”

“The feeling of having each finger massaged was heavenly”

“Most definitely improves morale”

“Gives you understanding and importance of massage, nice to have a free session, never had one before”

“To fulfill and demonstrate the value of healing to staff”

ACM extends a thank you to all students who participated in massaging staff members of Calvary Health Care Adelaide.