Heather McIntosh

Tell us about your role. I am the Educator for our Perioperative and Perianeasthesia Services provided across both Baringa Private Hospital and the Ramsay Surgical Centre Coffs Harbour. This Educator position is a diverse, dynamic and enriching role I am privileged to be a part of. Accelerating professional’s transition and professional development is wholeheartedly rewarding, and is founded in the collaboration with our multidisciplinary team in theatres, Perioperative Services Manager, Facility Education Coordinator, Quality and Infection Control Coordinator and Senior Executive. Together we are facilitating the professional development of our teammates, fostering a supportive culture and ensuring the highest calibre of care for our clients whilst always striving to maintain the Ramsay Health Care’s great reputation.

What motivates you in your role and business? People. I wholeheartedly believe it is a privilege to care for clients in the perioperative environment, to provide and advocate for the most vulnerable patients in the hospital. Further the personal fulfillment to be a member of the team who actively improves peoples lives every day is immensely rewarding and motivating. Additionally, I am motivated by knowledge sharing across colleagues, roles and disciplines to empower one another to better care for others, facilitating continual growth and fulfillment both professionally and personally. This ripple effect creates an immeasurable amount of good, through improving even just one health care provider’s delivery of service. What is the most interesting part of your role? There is always something to learn in this magnetic and ever evolving specialty. Do you have a goal this year for yourself, personally or in business?

Absolutely. Professionally, my goals are focused on implementing an inclusive and bespoke education program as selected by the perioperative team members. One of my personal goals is to hike Gros Morne Mountain this August in Newfoundland Canada. What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? This position as Educator. I am fervent about theatres and education; fulfilling a role that entails both passions is my greatest accomplishment to date. Further, the culmination of my experience in perioperative and acute care services, preceptorship, education, leadership, and specialisation as a Registered Nurse First Assistant (North American equivalent of Perioperative Nurse

Surgical Assistants), is now consolidating to facilitate this new role. I am excited about the opportunity and being a part of this extraordinary team.

Who has been your biggest inspiration and why? My parents. They are exceptional people who instil and exemplify fortitude while being altruistic humanitarians. I love and admire them so very much.

What one professional piece of advice would you give anyone reading this? Come experience Theatre. Take a leap into this challenging yet rewarding field of nursing. Now is the time, with so much support and encouragement to foster an environment of learning. Maybe like me, you will find yourself enthralled and doing whatever you can to direct your professional path into perioperative and perianeasthesia services. But no matter what your career path is, remember that there is always one more thing to learn.

Tell us about your role at Lifeline North Coast. I began as a phone volunteer in 2001, and several years later I became a support for phone volunteers as a part time employee at Lifeline North Coast. Since then, I have taken on other roles as a full-time employee, Trainer, Centre Supervisor, Student Mentor and Call Coach. I also continue to volunteer on the Lifeline Crisis Line. What motivates and inspires you in your role and the work you do at Lifeline?

Lifeline is highly respected throughout Australia. This is demonstrated by the faith that people have in calling the Lifeline Crisis Line. To be there for those people who trust us is an inspiration.

Having been at Lifeline for over 20 years, what have been the challenges?

Every year Lifeline grows, and we take more calls. Lifeline has embraced new technology. For a senior citizen, such as me, this has offered many challenges. Across Australia it has been noted that fewer people have been able to volunteer. Lifeline is always seeking volunteers both on the phones and in our retail shops and when they are not available, we are challenged.

Lyn, most people are retired at this stage in life, why do you continue to work and support the students you mentor at Lifeline North Coast?

I am passionate about Lifeline. The fact that people volunteer to support others in the most difficult of times demonstrates how many good people there are in our community. I care very much for our volunteers, and I want to be here to support them.

What is the most interesting part of your role? Watching our phone volunteers develop their skills as they move through the training. When commencing the training many volunteers are apprehensive about their ability to listen and support the people who call the Lifeline Crisis Line. It can be a big ask but with the skills training and the wonderful mentoring available we see their confidence growing along with their sense of fulfillment. Do you have a goal this year for yourself personally or in business? To inspire others to volunteer with Lifeline North Coast. We need more volunteers for the phones, and I would like people to know that a willingness to listen and the ability to care about others are the real requirements to being a Crisis Line volunteer. The skills we can impart. If anyone is thinking of volunteering, what advice or encouragement would you give them to make the call?

If you think this may be for you, please contact us at our office on 6651 4093 or go to our website: lifelinenorthcoast.org. au/volunteer and register. Volunteering with Lifeline is a wonderful way to give back. I would like to mention here that volunteering in our shops is another way to support Lifeline. The profits from the shops come back to help keep the phones going.

What advice would you give anyone going through a challenging time? Seek support. For completely anonymous and confidential support please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Having the opportunity to have someone listen can be a first step forward. As an individual, what advice can you give to anyone reading this article on what they can personally do to keep themselves, their friends, children/family, and community safe from suicide?

If you think a person is having thoughts of suicide, ask them. Yes, this can be challenging, and you need to be brave. Tell them why you think they may be having those thoughts. Maybe it’s what they are saying or what they are doing that makes you concerned. Please ask. You can describe how they seem different and then mention that sometimes when people behave that way, they are having thoughts of suicide. Then say, “Are you having thoughts of suicide?”

Remember that if they are suicidal, it can be a relief that someone recognises it and if they are not, they will know you are a person who will talk about suicide.

How can we get in contact? Online or phone or come to the Lifeline Centre at 2/115 West High Street Coffs Harbour

A willingness to listen and the ability to care about others are the real requirements to becoming a volunteer Telephone Crisis Supporter.

Volunteering in our retail shops is a marvelous way to support Lifeline North Coast as all funds earned keep our local call centre going.

National Volunteer Week 15 – 21 May, 2023