Staff profile - Grainne Ducat

Grainne Ducat is a Registered Nurse and is doing her bit in the pandemic fight as COVID-19 Clinic Coordinator at Port Macquarie Base Hospital and Camden Haven clinics. Read what she had to say.

What is your role as a frontline health worker?

I'm a Registered Nurse and a Management Intern, currently undertaking a two-year Master of Health Service Management through the Australasian College of Health Service Management.

My current role is the COVID-19 Clinic Coordinator, where I coordinate the team responsible for COVID-19 testing at both our Port Macquarie Base Hospital and Camden Haven drive-through testing clinics.

My role involves the day-to-day management of staff and overseeing the efficient flow of people through the clinics. I also liaise with the North Coast Public Health Unit, keep up to date with the evolving health advice and ensure new staff are trained in the workings of the clinic.

In response to the call for more testing across NSW, we have seen a significant increase in presentations at Mid North Coast COVID Clinics and we are constantly monitoring the situation across the region.

We are very well prepared should there be any new cases.

What tasks do you undertake each day and how has this changed during COVID-19?

I put my hand up for this role, because I really wanted to contribute to our local health response to COVID-19. As health professionals you always feel that urge when something like this is happening that you want to jump in and help.

This role has come about because of COVID-19, so it is quite a change from my usual work.

Teamwork is essential in our local response to the pandemic and working together we have all adapted very quickly to the new environment that we are now living and working in.

What do you see as the public response to frontline health workers?

All frontline health workers have been overwhelmed by the support of the community, whether it be the generosity being shown through meal donations from local individuals and businesses to special messages on social media and just a smile in the street and a 'thank you'.

Over the past few months we have really felt the support of the community which makes us feel proud and realise that we are providing an essential service that is greatly appreciated.

The community understands the importance of stopping the spread of COVID. As health workers, we are so grateful when we see people adhering to the health advice regarding this pandemic.

What physical and mental preparations do you take each day to stay safe during COVID-19?

Being mentally prepared for work each day is very important, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of my favourite things to do is to walk my dog Woody regularly. I also eat healthy foods as much as possible and enjoy doing yoga to relax.

At the start of each work day, we have a team meeting, we also have a buddy system to support each other. We check our personal protective equipment regularly, assist people as they come into the clinic to be tested and welcome new staff as they join the clinics.

Everyone is working together to ensure a safe environment is maintained for staff and patients.

What advice do you have for members of the public regarding COVID19?

Please continue to be vigilant! We need everyone to play their part if we are to stop the spread of COVID-19. We need everyone to observe physical distancing at all times, washing or sanitising your hands regularly and, most importantly, getting tested even if you have the mildest of symptoms.

We also ask people to be kind to each other. We are all in this together and although we are all having to change the way we do things, our actions will help protect the most vulnerable in our community.