The RCH security staff are often the first faces you see when you enter the hospital, and behind their masks a smile can always be found. This week our #ChampionsforChildren is Angel from security. He might have only worked at the RCH for a year, but Angel has developed strong friendships with both staff and patients across the hospital.
What do you love about working at the RCH?
The Royal Children’s Hospital gives me the privilege to be amongst the bravest souls of all ages. Being a part of an amazing hospital, where all departments work as a one big family (as a team), I feel very blessed. Seeing the sick kids going through their struggles, being able to keep a smile on their faces and positive outlooks in their words really inspires me and motivates me to be as strong as they are. It shows a reflection of how beautiful their families are and how they show unconditional love for children.
Being a part of an amazing security team with exceptional team leaders and supervisors has given me the reason to perform as an exceptional officer, and wear a happy face and a positive attitude that I can project to other people.
What made you want to work at the RCH in security?
With over 30 years of experience in security, nothing is more rewarding than protecting and serving the essential workers who put in their hard work, time and their positive frame of mind to help the children in need and their parents who may need comforting in such hard times. The way they approach the job is very skillful and proficient but offer a nurturing and caring side. I have a lot of respect for all my coworkers, colleagues and security team. I feel honored to play a role as security in such a caring and professional hospital.
We often receive feedback that you are always happy and engaging. Why is it important for you to put a smile on your face when you work?
The importance of putting a smile on my face comes from my motto when I wake up every morning “if I make at least one person smile today, my day will be happily accomplished.” I believe within the world we live in today, you never know what people are truly going through whether it is something big or something small, personal or even public, everyone has their struggles within life. People deserve to be greeted in a happy manner wherever they go, they need to know that even if they are going through it, they need to stay strong. Me putting a smile on their face represents exactly that.
What does a typical day at the RCH look like for you?
There is no typical day in security when working at the RCH, most of the time we are often met with unexpected situations. Therefore, a typical day would involve being prepared with your head up high and a good quality attitude.
Do you have a favourite memory of working at the RCH?
I have many fond memories at the RCH, one would be kids coming down from their wards thinking I look like a WWE wrestler. One memory had my strong man appearance turn into a soft teary-eyed man. This happened when a young boy in a mobilized wheelchair who I had become friends with when he was first admitted, zoomed up to me at the main entrance of the RCH alongside with his mom and dad who started chatting to me as per usual. His mum then said that he had something to show me and then he proceeded to show me something that we all thought was impossible for him to do… he moved his hand in front of me. It blew my mind away, resulting in him telling me that when he leaves the hospital, he had a goal to shake my hand. Whether he does or doesn’t, he is stronger than me.
How has the security team had to adapt to the pandemic?
The security team has been rather busy adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic whilst protecting the hospital. Our security screeners have been very pedantic in making sure that our patients and families along with the local community is protected by our safety precautions. We do this by social distancing in the hospital, wearing COVID-19 safety gear such as masks, keeping sanitary products near us wherever we go, and we always check that visitors have checked in to the QR code.
What is something you love doing when not at work?
When I’m not at work or I have just come home from work I mostly spend time with my teenage daughter, we like to listen to music, go on drives or we go out and get something to eat, spending quality time with my daughter is heavily important to me as a single full-time parent. When I have spare time at night after work, I like to work out in my personal home gym as it is important for my health and the industry I am in.
18 comments for “Champions for Children: Angel from security”
Iriah
You are awesome Angel, not only as a security guard but also as a man.
We are so greatful to have apart of our team.
Keep up the awesomeness.
Neville Alford
Mate you are a champion and a true gentleman, it is a privilege to work beside and to call you me friend and family.
Well done you deserve every good thing that comes your way.
Tracey Lawson
Congratulations Angel – your wonderful smile and the way you interact with the patients and families is a joy to witness, I’ve received so many comments from staff regarding your wonderful outlook and performance – I’m so glad you’ve been highlighted in this article that celebrates the effort you put into your role here at RCH but also celebrates the top quality human being you are…. you should be really proud. We are lucky to have you on our team.
Emma
I consider myself a pretty happy person, but meeting Angel in the hospital seriously brightened my day. I’ve been thinking about how wonderful my short interaction was with him for weeks now. Such an asset to the team and humanity as a whole.
Mia
Thankyou for always being there for me when I was in hospital. You always said hello even up on the ward
Gurpreet
He is always very professional, helpful and got great skills dealing with people from different backgrounds
Evan Murray
The guy’s name says it all! He has definitely been sent from the gods. He truely is an Angel!!
I also work at RCH and have seen first hand the interaction he conducts with families and patients. He has a real gift!
He’s a credit to the company he works for and the hospital as a whole!
Great human! Bless you mate
Sarah
You are truly the champion of children and even workers here at RCH Angel! You are simply the best and everyone is so lucky to see that big smile on your face. We are so lucky to have such a caring, respectful and all around great guy working for us here at RCH.
Keep being you, never change!!
Kate
Loving your work Angel- they’re lucky to have you there
Bettina
I love seeing Angel on Main Street! He always has a happy greeting and even with his mask on, I can tell he has a big smile. Thanks for sharing his story!
Renae
By name, by nature, you are a true Angel, you inspire Harvey as much as he inspires you! Thank you for all the chats, visits, belief, support, encouragement, motivation, the list goes on. It’s an honour and a pleasure to have met you and to now call you a friend.
Christos
To a special friend I’ve met throughout my journey here at RCH Angel we appreciate your love and support you give to everyone here at the Royal children’s hospital it’s been a pleasure meeting you and your team you do an outstanding job not only keeping everyone safe and well but supporting and helping parents in many ways putting smiles on children’s faces and taking the daily stress away of many families with your warm caring approach & personality
God bless you and your family Angel
Adrian Ibraim
Angel mate it’s a privilege to be working with you at the
RCH, you always have a big smile your face and can put a smile on anyone’s face love you brother. Awesome work brother
Emma
It’s such a privilege to feel safe at work and that’s all thanks to you guys in security! Angel, you are an incredible asset to the team; seeing the community’s shared appreciation of you is testament to your character and professionalism.
Thanks for keeping us safe!!
Leo Edward
I know Angel from his previous job on the gate at a large warehouse. I was a truck driver in and out every day and can confirm he is the most beautiful human, full of positive energy which radiates out and warms everyone around him.
It makes me so happy to know that all the families dealing with really serious stuff at the RCH get to encounter this literal Angel.
Much Love
Byron Webb
What an honour it is to be working with you Angel. Congratulations and keep that bright light shining.
David chapman
Having known Angel over 20 years can honestly say im not surprised to read the comments here. Always been a caring and devoted person whether at work or to his friends and family. Glad to hear nothing changes once the uniform goes on.
Christine
Angel, now I know your name! It was so lovely meeting you on Monday. It brightened Frankie’s day to get a BOOST before her blood test. She still mentions the “nice security guard”. Keep up the amazing work. Being greeted by smiling eyes is appreciated by parents and patients alike. Thank you.