Introducing Barry Howell, Equipment & Maintenance Coordinator

Know us for when you need us

Barry Howell – Equipment & Maintenance Coordinator

What does a day look like for you?
Working days for me at Nelson Tasman Hospice is a mixture of routine and the unexpected. That’s what I enjoy about my role and our team. Each day starts with set tasks and compliance checks within the organisation. These can be anything from online maintenance requests for buildings too community equipment requests from a variety of Health disciplines. There are urgent jobs that pop up unexpectedly. Not knowing what’s around the corner is part of what drives me.

What was your motivation when you applied for the role at Hospice?
I started with the Nelson Tasman Hospice at the end of 2019. Apart from a trade apprenticeship when I left school, I have always worked in the Health sector. I was looking for a part-time role where I could put the experience of my past career to some practical use, where no two days were the same and where I could hopefully make a small difference to the wider palliative care system. I am familiar working for ‘not for profit’ providers, so it was a natural fit.

What is the most challenging part of working for Nelson Tasman Hospice?
As the role is varied, widespread and covers Nelson and the whole District of Tasman, meeting the expectation of everyone can be a challenge. We rely on our dedicated team of Equipment volunteers to make the deliveries and pickups. Some days we must finely balance how much work they are given verses sometimes unrealistic expectations.

In your home, which is your favourite piece of furniture and why?
Sharing first equal is my Lazyboy chair and Bose sound system and noise cancelling headphones. I enjoy music as my go to for relaxation, so both items (plus a nice Red) are important for that to happen. It’s a great unwinder and reset button.