Introducing Irvina Koefoed – Physiotherapist

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Irvina Koefoed – Physiotherapist

What is your role at Nelson Tasman Hospice?
I am a Hospice Physiotherapist and help people continue to live as independently as they can despite their diagnosis, aiming to maximise their movement and function based on their circumstances.

How does your work benefit patients?
My work helps provide patients with assistance on how to safely mobilise whether it be taking a few steps, walking to the loo or just helping them achieve goals like being able to sit out into a chair.

I also provide education and strategies to family/carers on how best to physically assist in maximising the safety of the patient and themselves, this includes training on equipment if required, to carry out cares or maintain independence.

What do you find the most rewarding about the work that you do?
The look of joy on people’s faces when they achieve a small task, they thought they could no longer do! Sometimes it’s just the simple things you can do to help achieve a “small” goal, which is actually a “huge” goal for a patient. This just fills my cup and makes me so thankful for the rewarding job I have here at Hospice.

We know you’ve just finished your first knitting project! If you could choose any colour of wool and had unlimited knitting skills, what would you knit?

I would knit a lilac-coloured, cable knit cardigan. I love a cardigan – I’m a real ‘cardigan’ type of person. They’re just so warm and comfy. I’d choose lilac because it’s such a pretty colour.