Phil D'Hooghe - Greenslopes Private Hospital

Phil D'Hooghe has been Environmental Relief Co-ordinator/Wardsperson at Ramsay Health Care's Greenslopes Private Hospital in Brisbane for more than 11 years.

What's the best part about your job?

The people, without a doubt. The unique workplace environment lends itself to a great deal of bonding experiences. During my time working at Greenslopes, I have made many rewarding and long-lasting friendships that will continue regardless of any future career direction I choose to take.

In that token, I am also very appreciative of the opportunities for progression that are provided. I have gained a wealth of knowledge, through formal training, as well as mentor-type guidance, from a range of sources.

Lastly, the return-to-work process for an injured worker is not to be ignored. It is something that is not really considered until you need it, but I am grateful that the program is so well managed and personable, which plays a part in the satisfaction of my job.

What is something about your job that not many people know about, and what would surprise other people about working in a private hospital?

A day in Enviro is never boring. There is a large variety of engaging jobs to be undertaken, often requiring dynamic solutions and adaptive thinking to navigate. A real sense of initiative and forward thinking is required, and if you work hard and plan well, it is satisfying to watch all the integrated domino pieces fall into place.

I think it would surprise people to know the level of multidisciplinary skill and front-end, impactful responsibility you gain from a job in a private hospital.

What do you love about working in a private hospital?

Speaking specifically to Ramsay Health Care, they are excellent at distinctively facilitating world-class best practices, and actively empowering methods of functional productivity. I have been very lucky to be able to make use of their internal opportunities for professional growth by undertaking sponsored training in clinical coding.

The course has been fascinating and extremely fulfilling, and I have felt a great sense of support and comradery throughout my training. I do not think this opportunity would have presented itself in a public health setting.

What do you like to do outside of work and/or what is something your colleagues don't know about you?

I never feel like I have a lot of free time, but something I've really enjoyed lately is taking my toddler son, Patrik, out every Friday (my day off) to explore a park/ playground in Brisbane and the surrounding areas. I am still a big kid at heart, and we have found some amazing playgrounds together. It's a very special time to spend playing and bonding, and we are both getting better at tending to each other's bruises at the end of the day.

Outside of that activity, I am also a cricket tragic (preferring Test matches over the shorter versions), a board/card game enthusiast (despite rarely ever winning), and a keen volleyball player.

Something my colleagues don't know about me is I have an expanding collection of porcelain gnomes scattered around my backyard, that me and my son must individually greet each morning and afternoon.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?

The world keeps spinning and the sun will always set and rise again the next day, so make the choice to find enjoyment in the moments along the way.

• Are you looking for work in private healthcare? Visit APHA's jobs sitehere.

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