Carers’ hard work celebrated

An opportunity to celebrate the valuable work that carers do in the community came with a recent graduation ceremony of these healthcare assistants at Maygrove. Healthcare assistant Helen Precious receives her certificate from NZ Tertiary College chief executive, Selena Fox. Mai Alexander earned her level 4 certificate – she has been a healthcare assistant at Maygrove for 15 years.

The valuable role of carers in the community, which so often goes under the radar, was recognised with a presentation and morning tea at Maygrove Village.

A total of 13 healthcare assistants who work at Maygrove graduated with NZQA Level 3 and 4 Health and Wellbeing qualifications and most of them had their certificates presented by the NZ Tertiary College at Maygrove on February 13.

Presenting the certificates, NZ Tertiary College chief executive Selena Fox stressed the important role of carers, saying they are “extraordinary people who provide safe, life-giving comfort” to their clients.
She says health and wellbeing graduates tend to be a really diverse and interesting group, with a genuine love of older people and the community.

This drew applause and nods from the Maygrove hospital clients who were at the morning tea.
Care workers with NZQA qualifications are also moved up the pay scale as part of the Government settlement of a pay equity claim by the union E tu, on behalf of care worker Kristine Bartlett, two years ago.

However Mai Alexander, who earned her level 4 Health & Wellbeing certificate while working fulltime, says her love of learning, and passion for helping people is what drove her to increase her qualifications and skills.

Originally from Thailand, Mai has worked as a healthcare assistant at Maygrove for more than 15 years. She says the key is to treat people the way that you’d like your own family to be treated.

“I feel lucky to make a difference every day,” Mai says. “It’s very rewarding.”