Erle Lindsay

Allied Health Assistant

War Memorial Hospital 

“I work in the physio department with our inpatients. One of my roles is to run a daily light exercise group, focussing on fitness, balance, strength and safety.  Our patients really enjoy it. It takes them off the ward to do a bit of exercising, socialising and it helps them to get stronger. We often pass around several different weighted balls.  I have this special ball called the ooh-ball, because as they get it, they go ‘ooh’, as it is quite heavy.

I’m in health because I like to contribute to our patient’s health and wellbeing, so they can live life to their full potential. I’ve been working here for 33 years. This is where I met my wife.

Recently an elderly gentleman was admitted who was feeling very low and thought he was going to a nursing home.  He didn’t want to do anything. I worked with him on a daily basis and I could see in a short period of time his demeanour changed. He wanted to come to the group exercises.  It was amazing to see the transformation of this fellow. When he was discharged, he came up to thank me for assisting him and giving him the confidence to achieve. He became very emotional and I find that rewarding, someone speaking from the heart. To watch a patient walk out the door to go home is what it’s all about for me.”