Each month Krystal Burt finds out what makes our Staff special, this month it's one of our Receptionists, Livia.

How long have you been at CCMC?

I've been here at CCMC for over 2 years now, working on the Reception Desk and in Admin. I also translate for the doctors when needed as I speak Mandarin, Cantonese, and English.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in China in a city named Guangzhou, near Hong Kong. I left at age 18 and moved to NZ by myself to study Pastry Cooking. I eventually made my way to Perth because it's in the same time zone as China, and the weather is much better ;)

How does China's Health care services differ to Perth?

In China we combine our GP's, specialist's, and pharmacist's together into one role. So I was very confused when I first came here! We don't have GP clinics, only hospitals, so you need to go to a hospital for ALL medical needs. Waiting time can be very bad, and you cannot make an appointment ahead of time. We also split medicine into two main categories - Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine.

Best part of your job?

I love being able to help people who cannot speak English well when they see a doctor. A lot of tourists don't speak English, or not well enough, to easily explain their medical concerns. It can be very stressful for them so I'm happy to be able to help.

Do you have any hobbies or special interests outside of work?

I work A LOT. I'm part time here at CCMC, and also work at a local Restaurant so I don't have a lot of time off. I like to stay active though, so I do both Badminton and Thai boxing a few nights a week after work. It’s a social event for me as I play with friends.

If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be?

What’s up by 4 Non Blondes. Heard that from a TV Drama named Sense 8.

Chinese new year is coming up, can you tell us what this means to you and how you will be celebrating it?

5th Feb is the Chinese New Year's day. This will be the start of the year of the pig, which is a popular year to be born in for us. We believe we don’t need to worry about food and will enjoy a care free lifetime if born in the year of the pig.

To celebrate I normally go for Yumcha (dimsim) in the morning, then go shopping whilst wearing new shoes. We believe that walking in new shoes on New Years Day will ensure that the new year runs smoothly for you. Then we have a big dinner with friends and family to celebrate, and play Majong.

Common Rules we need to follow during the New Year period (2 weeks):

-Can't cut hair from a couple of days before, and up to 15 days after.

-Can't wash hair on New Years day

-Can't sweep or vacuum the floor in your house

-Can't clean your house or wash anything on new years day

-You must make sure you have food leftovers from New Years Eve to save and eat on New Years Day

-Red pocket-money is given on New Years Day(in the morning usually) from our older generations to single people and children

-We eat sugar/candied food on New Years Day, so the rest of your year will be sweet

-Can't do any gardening, as cutting plants is cutting away your luck, watering is leaking away your luck

-You have to settle ALL debts before the New Year

What was the last gift you gave someone?

A Chinese tea cup as a secret Santa.

Each month Krystal Burt finds out what makes our Staff special, this month it's our Practice Manager Claire.

How long have you been working at Central City Medical Centre

15 years!! I started on reception as my part-time “mum” job and somehow found myself as Practice Manager!!

Where did you grow up, and how is it different to Perth (related to health care)?

I grew up in Zimbabwe.It was a very similar lifestyle, in those days, to what we have now in Perth – sunshine and a great outdoors life. Healthcare was not so easy though. There’s no version of Medicare, and private health insurance is a luxury. People fly to South Africa or the UK for important operations so, as you can imagine, that’s only available to the wealthy. I am grateful every day for Australia’s health care.

What days do you work, do you have set roster or does it change?

I work 3 days a week with a regular roster. Those were my “mum” hours and now that my kids are grown up, those “mum” hours continue to work well for both me and the Practice.

Best part of your job?

The best part of my job is the people!! I love our absolutely awesome team of doctors, nurses, receptionists and admin team. And I love working with our patients – spending time working on reception is a treat!

Worst part of your job?

The worst part of my job is dealing with people who are rude and unreasonable for no good reason.

Do you have any hobbies or special interests outside of work?

When I’m not at work, I’ll be finding new and interesting places to walk the dog, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Do you have any pets?

My favourite hobby is our rescue dog – Oscar. After 15 years with our wonderful dog, Cassie, we were devastated when she passed away. We have since adopted Oscar – a Labrador/staffie cross. It has been so rewarding to watch him come out of his shell and realise that we are his family, and that he is safe and loved. He has a few “interesting” habits, but this boy makes us laugh every day. Shenton Park Dogs Refuge do an absolutely fantastic job. “Rescue” is an awesome breed!!

Favourite quote?

My favourite quote is – “Don’t sweat the small stuff”

Favourite music?

I currently love the Greatest Showman soundtrack.

If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be?

“This is Me”!! -

“And I'm marching on to the beat I drum I'm not scared to be seen I make no apologies, this is me”

What would you want your title to be when you retire?

Mum, Granny, crazy cat/dog lady!!

What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?

No thinking ..... I’ll be singing, so apologies if you see me at the traffic lights!! Sometimes I have to drive a few extra blocks so that I can finish the song!!

Each month Krystal Burt finds out what makes our Staff special, this month it's our head nurse Dee.

What made you decide to work in medicine?

When my grandfather was in a coma, the way the nurses cared and looked after him made me want to become a nurse.

Where did you study?

I did my certificate of nursing in Singapore from 2006-2008, and my bachelors of nursing in Murdoch University from 2009-2011.

How long have you been at CCMC?

I’m pretty much part of the furniture in CCMC – 6.5 years

What days do you work, and do you have set roster or does it change?

I have a set roster of working Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. I also work on Tuesdays and Saturdays if needed.

Best part of your job?

Forming unique bonds with patients, co-workers turning into best friends, and patients remembering you.

Worst part of your job?

When you are not there for the benefit of the patient.

What's the most important thing you've learned while working in medicine?

To be more patient, to be the listening ear, and there’s always something more to learn.

If you could work as a nurse anywhere in the world, where would it be?

In a cruise ship! It’s a whole new experience and that way I can travel to new places, explore and meet people from across the world.

Do you have any hobbies or special interests outside of work?

Watching movies & dancing. The last time I danced professionally is for Sangam 2017 (India independence day celebration). It was the first time I danced Garba, which is a form of dance originated in the state of Gujarat in India.

Favourite quote?

Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever – Mahatma Gandhi

What’s your favourite ’90s jam?

Backstreet Boys – I want it that way

What would you want your title to be when you retire?

Clinical RN or Dietician or Diabetes Educator

Who would win a fight between Spiderman and Batman?

Batman of course :D

If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Titanic – My heart will go on

What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?

I love to listen to Tamil songs and sing along and curse a lot of slow drivers who don’t keep up with the minimal speed limit.

What was the last gift you gave someone?

Jumbo Squishy Panda. It’s a novelty stress release soft toy and I gave it to my sister in law, who's a lawyer.

This Saturday, December 1st, is World AIDS day.

World AIDS Day is one of eight World Health Organization (WHO), global public health campaigns aiming to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS including its prevention and treatment as well as remembering those that have died from the disease.

The WA AIDS Council theme for this year is reducing the stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV.

There are a number of events planned for Perth this week. At CCMC we have a variety of merchandise - ribbons, wrist bands etc available for a gold coin donation.

- last year new HIV cases in WA have reached a 10 year low driven by a drop in diagnosis in homosexual men. This is probably due to improved prevention with PrEP prophylactic medication and ongoing improvement in the treatment of HIV which makes transmission to sexual partners much less likely.