Staff Profiles

Dr Jens-Peter Link – Medical Officer of Special Scale (Inpatients)

Dr Link is originally from Germany, where he trained as a registered GP. He went on to work in a range of areas, including orthopaedics, general surgery, intermediate rheumatology, psychiartry and accident and emergency.

He began working at Hawera Hospital in 2007 and enjoys the variety of work, which ranges from acute medical and geriatric cases to general medicine and palliative care.

Dr Link says Hawera is a great place to bring up a family. It has good educational opportunities for children and friendly people. “What I like most about working here is the welcoming community.”

Dr Ben Nieuwoudt – Medical Officer of Special Scale (Inpatients)

Dr Nieuwoudt came to Hawera Hospital from South Africa in 2003. While in South Africa he worked as a GP in rural hospitals. He brought his family to New Zealand for a better lifestyle.

It was a picture of Mt Taranaki that helped make up his mind to come to South Taranaki. “That was the thing that did it for me.” And he wasn’t disappointed when he arrived. “We’ve settled in for the duration.”

He says he likes working in smaller hospitals. “You get to know the patients well and they’re happy to come back and see a familiar doctor.” He says the team in inpatients makes working at Hawera Hospital a pleasure. The multidisciplinary team includes occupational therapists, social workers, nurses and physiotherapists.

Dr Mohammad Humayun – Accident and Medical Practitioner (Emergency Department)

Dr Humayun is originally from Bangladesh but gained most of his medical experience in South Africa. He started at Hawera Hospital in 2002.

He says South Taranaki is a quiet and secure place to live.  “We like the people, the environment and the mountain – we go there quite often.”

Dr Humayun says his work at Hawera Hospital is challenging, but less hectic than in South Africa. He says the highlights of working at the hospital include getting to know the patients and their backgrounds, and the work environment is supportive. “The staff are friendly, it’s like a family.”

Christine Cooper – Registered Nurse (Emergency Department)

Christine, who is from South Taranaki, started her career as an enrolled nurse before taking a career break to have her family. She then trained for nursing registration and got a job at Hawera Hospital in 2001.

She likes working at a hospital the size of Hawera’s. “It’s an environment where we all support each other and come together more as a team. We get to know the patients  – people aren’t a number here.” She says Hawera has a tight-knit community and people care about each other. Life in South Taranaki is relaxed and there’s plenty of activities, such as visiting the local beaches and tramping, on offer.

Jan Fleming – Clinical Psychologist (TDHB Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service)

Jan has been based at Hawera Hospital for 22 years. She works with children and young people who have a range of mental health issues. Her specialist area is eating disorders. “I’m passionate about working with young people and helping them overcome obstacles in life.” She says the service has close links with other agencies in the community.

Jan says it’s great working in the new hospital, which opened in 2002. “I love the working environment. It’s calm and aesthetically pleasing. It’s a well-planned hospital.”

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Last updated: Monday, March 28, 2011