Simone Rootes - Port Macquarie Private Hospital

Simone Rootes, 42, has worked as a General Services Officer (GSO) in Catering for a year at Ramsay Health Care's Port Macquarie Private Hospital on New South Wales' Mid-North Coast, and was named Employee of the Month in September 2024.

What's the best part about your job?

The best part about my role is all the opportunities I have had to be able to advance my learning and career options.

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

Some people would say, "Why catering?" – I say, "Why not?". Catering in a hospital environment is a very important role, we are not only there to serve patients their meals, we are there to help and support the patients. We are a smiling face, someone to talk to, and for most patients it's those small things that count and mean so much to their recovery.

Over the past year while working at Port Macquarie Private Hospital I personally feel I have developed a whole new understanding and respect for each and every position people play within the healthcare industry.

What do you love about working in a private hospital?

The best thing I love about working at Port Macquarie Private Hospital is that all my co-workers are not just co-workers, they have become really good friends. They are there for you, support you and always have your back. Port Macquarie Private Hospital is a small team environment, so it lets you get to know each other on a personal level, which makes working together easier.

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

Outside of work I love spending time with my family, they are my world.

Something my colleagues don't know about me is that for the past eight years I have been a sole trader and haven't worked within a team environment. I'm a 'lay my heart on my sleeve' kind of person and it's taken me a bit to adjust working back with co-workers but I am grateful for the amazing team I work with. I am even more grateful for my managers I have, who help, understand and support me through everything.

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

You are never too old to learn new things or start a new career.

• If you are looking for a role in a private hospital, check out the latest job opportunitieshere.

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Next Interviews:
5/11/2024 Prasant Baral - Friendly Society Private Hospital

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2/10/2024 Trina Jobberns - Cura Day Hospitals Group