"This job I do at Middlemore is like a well-oiled machine.
It’s never not busy!
Is there excitement? All the time.
Occasionally on a frantic day, we end up with a patient on a gurney in the wrong theatre, but that’s incredibly rare.
The surgeons, nurses and techs are very understanding!
I came here from the Cook Islands a long time ago. Worked as a steelworker in a factory in South Auckland for 37 years.
I got made redundant and in 2016 I started at Middlemore – my daughter got me the job here.
This work is great – no noise, no dust like in the steelworks.
I had a cancer diagnosis a while ago, but I am in a pretty good place – I doctor myself!
Once I turn seventy, I think I will have a rest. I will spend the Winters back home on Penhryn Island.
There is huge co-operation between the various professions here. The docs and nurses treat us exceptionally well.
For fun, I sometimes go fishing, although it’s busy, even in later life.
What would I say to the people of South Auckland?
I’d say, look after yourself better. Don’t make it hard for the doctors. With a little bit of self-care, many of you shouldn’t end up here.
That’s my advice anyway!"
Tepiri Sigapu – Theatre Orderly