Pedro works as an Equipment Coordinator at Wellington Regional Hospital. After hours his dedication and passion for soccer and refereeing saw him awarded a Life membership with Capital Football. Let’s find out what makes Pedro tick.
Pedro what is a typical day at work like for you?
My main responsibilities are to deliver and pick-up equipment in the community and to help the nurses and Occupational Therapists with equipment requests. It’s hugely varied and I love meeting all the staff and patients. I have made lots of friends across the region.
A typical day for me starts around 7:30am. I check all my emails and prepare for the deliveries around Wellington. Some days I go up to Kapiti and beyond. I prepare the transport sheet with all the jobs I need to do during the day. Before hitting the road I also spend time preparing dockets to give to the patients detailing the equipment they’ll need to help them on their road to recovery and how to return them when they no longer need it.
Around 9:30am, I begin loading my van, being careful to load jobs in the right order for where they need to go. I like to try and be on the road by 10am, and I get back to the hospital around 3:30pm. When I return, I unload the equipment I collected, park the van and finish my day on the computer, logging my jobs and checking emails. Each day is different and I like the variation, getting out and meeting people.
Why did you chose a career in health?
I was born and grew up in South America. I travelled a lot around the Middle East and South America in my 20s. I remember meeting a Kiwi at one of my jobs and he said if I was ever in New Zealand to let him know. I did look him up when I made it here. Through him and friends I ended up living in Wellington and fell into health care and still think I am the luckiest man. I’ve had such amazing experiences and opportunities that have led me here and I pride myself in helping to provide good customer service to our communities and the teams here at our hospital .
What do you love most about your job?
Helping our clinical staff to help our patients and the challenges that this can present. I am proud that I am able to help our patients by providing the equipment they require to rehabilitate. I was also awarded a certificate for In House Services 2022, for “Excellence in Innovation, Improvement and Future Thinking”. This was such a big thing for me as it was by vote and to have this professional recognition of my colleagues meant so much.
Above: Pedro being presented with his In House Services 2022 Award by Shane King, General Manager Non- Clinical Support, Te Whatu Ora – Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley.
What would you say to someone who wants to join start a career in [role/profession]
Be prepared for the big challenges that working in a hospital will bring to your life and make the most of every day.
Tell us about your side hustle and hidden talent?
I used to play football (soccer) when I was younger. My favourite team is still Chelsea. When I got to Wellington I found I fitted in with the soccer community here and by accident I also fell into refereeing which I love. Most weekends I will be out on a field refereeing. Getting recognised by Capital Football and becoming a life member was another highlight in my life. I love being able to help. I never look back, only forward. Around six years ago, when I found that I could no longer ride a bike, I decided to get an EMTB (Electric Mountain bike) and when I I’m not refereeing I find myself riding my E-bike, reading or just chilling at home with a book, TV or my music. And watching sport of course.
Above: Pedro presented with his life membership by David Meiklejohn, President of Capital Football.
How did you get involved in refereeing and what is the best part about it?
My team had many players and I drew the short stick. I learnt that being a referee, no one can replace me. I get to stay on the field for the whole 90 minutes, but the best part of it all is just being part of it and giving back to a sport I enjoy and love. I can walk away with my head up after a job well done. I have also won the Referee of the Year Community Cup three times which I am super proud of.
What book/music are you reading/listening to now or last read/heard?
I read historic fiction, novels that have a little bit of everything in it. Once I get a book from an author I like I keep going until finish. Normally up to four days of hard reading. Music, I listen to all music with a beat and sometimes I go to FM radio to listen soft concert music. I have been known to stop and listen to street singers too. I think loving music is due to my heritage.
Do you have a favourite quote that’s inspired you?
Awesome with an “O”.
What gets you out of bed every day?
The sound of the birds outside my window and looking forward to what a new day may hold. The hard workers around me inspire me, as I thrive on other people’s success and hard work. I do believe in living life to the fullest. I am extremely grateful for all that I have had the chance to experience and feel lucky that my hard work has paid off. The two best pieces of advice I have are “If you have nothing nice to say don’t say anything at all” and “if it’s not yours, don’t touch it”.
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