“I had only been working at Middlemore for a matter of weeks, when I had a close-up and personal experience of what it was like to be a patient here!
My background is in psychology and public health, having worked extensively in the UK and Europe, most recently on patient and consumer engagement with the European Medicines Agency.
My family and I got very keen on the idea of moving abroad after the disruptions of Covid and Brexit.
On a campervan holiday here, we fell in love with New Zealand, and decided this is where we would like to settle.
I saw a job at Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau as Reporting and Engagement Manager, Service Improvement and Innovation.
For me, it was a perfect fit.
Then, shortly afterwards, there came a dramatic day. Our family was out mountain-biking, when I had a bad crash.
Where did the ambulance take me? Middlemore ED, of course!
It was a Sunday, and luckily there was a slot in a Resus room. I got straight in, x-rayed and CT scanned – the verdict – fractured collar bone and sternum.
There were no beds, so I spent a day and a night in an ED cubicle.
I gained a huge respect for the staff.
There was a lot of noise, staff and even policemen running through the corridors – quite an experience.
Then up to Ward 8 – and some lovely encounters – a lady singing to herself, nurses greeting you with “Good morning mama!”
A morphine drip one extra day and then home where I healed quickly.
I just love my Middlemore job. My aim is to get permanent residency and have a great career here.
My family adore Aotearoa and we feel extremely lucky.”
Nathalie Bere-Adams
Reporting and Engagement Manager