Elroy Pires: The Patient Porter
Have you ever wondered how a patient from the ER gets to ICU, internal medicine, or x-ray? Do they walk? Do they wheel? Or do they have assistance?
To get to the bottom of this we reached out to Elroy Pires, a Patient Porter. Elroy has been working at St. Joes for almost 30 years, and though he could have retired comfortably years ago, he still loves to come to work each day and help whoever 'comes across his path', pun intended.
So, what exactly is a Patient Porter?
Elroy: A Patient Porter helps patients get around the hospital to ensure they get to where they need to be safely and in-time.
How big is the Portering team?
Elroy: We have two different Portering services in my department which include Patient Portering and Linen Portering. Collectively there are roughly 30 people in our department.
What brought you to St. Joe's?
Elroy: Initially I was just looking for a job. I was a lot younger when I took this job and after my first year of work I was fortunate enough to receive a full-time offer.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Elroy: For me it's the contact with patients and the people I work with. I love meeting people from all walks of life and that's why in almost 30 years I haven't changed positions or departments. People often ask me why I don't want to train to be a nurse or move to another position for more money, and honestly it's not about money for me. When I feel happy doing something, why should I change that?
Simply put, St. Joe's mission is 'Living the Legacy,' how do you relate to that?
Elroy: If I had to pick one thing, it would be compassionate care. Though I work with patients from any department, I am primarily assigned to the hemodialysis unit. I see the same patients every day, often for long periods of time. There was one gentleman I will never forget, that I do miss from time to time. He had a strong character and wasn't the easiest to deal with, but he was always fun to be around. Unfortunately, he passed away. He would have been 55 this year. Some people are here for quite a bit of time so you really get to know them. It's humbling to have someone open up to you while they are going through something so personal and critical.
When is your job most stressful?
Elroy: For myself, it's most stressful when patients need to be taken down to the unit between 5pm and 7pm. I primarily take patients to hemodialysis and they need to be dropped off at certain times. If I get held up with one patient or an emergency comes up another patient could potentially miss their treatment. You have to be very aware of time to ensure that everyone gets to where they need to be.
How do you see Portering changing over the next 5 years?
Elroy: Well with Dovetale things are going to change a lot. The Portering department is going through a major overhaul. There are pros and cons to every change, yet I believe in the long run these technological innovations will definitely improve patient care for the better.
When you aren't at St. Joe's, what do you like to do in your spare time?
Elroy: I love going to shows with my wife. We recently started going down to Niagara Falls much more frequently and we love seeing new acts and performances. Other than that, we also like to spend time travelling to see family.
What is your go to coffee or tea order?
Elroy: A Tim Hortons Double-Double.