SNN_December 2022 Issue_web low res

NEW ZEALAND SPINAL TRUST 26
What does it mean to you to provide the library
resource for patients of the Burwood Spinal Unit?
From the outset, I wanted to create a welcoming, inclusive,
safe environment complemented with resources, services,
and equipment. The library quickly became a place where
patients and whānau could come for rest and respite and
library staff provided a listening ear. Learning what is of
importance to people with SCI is a constant privilege and
I’ve met many amazing people over the years who have
shared their journey with me. If I have been able to help in
some small way, that makes it all worthwhile.
Of course, there have been many hard times as
well—like the earthquakes, the terrorist attack—how
have they impacted you?
The 2011 earthquake was devastating for Christchurch
and those that lost their loved ones. Little did we know at
the time that the ABC would be demolished four years
later due to safety concerns. In June 2014 the building
was closed and we spent the following year essentially
camping. That was probably the most challenging thing
I’ve faced in my 20 years. It was a huge loss to not just me
but all the NZST staff, patients, whānau, and the
community. The NZST staff worked from an office with 16
computers, and I established a library in the Burwood
Spinal Unit Day Room. The following year we moved into
portacoms, and other staff moved into old offices.
Prior to the demolition of the ABC, we held a farewell
ceremony. The ceremony finished with a paint bomb
session, lots of people took the opportunity to throw paint
balls at the building—which was strangely comforting!
Christchurch has had more than their share of adversity
with the 2019 Mosque terror attack which was truly
unthinkable. What was heartening was the love and
support from the Christchurch and New Zealand
community towards the families who have lost loved ones.
The library team supported a number of victims such as
obtaining e-books in Bengali and providing one patient's
wife with a laptop so she could continue her studies while
supporting her husband in hospital.
Losing the Allan Bean Centre was a huge blow—what
was that space like?
The space was custom designed for people with disabilities
and had an enormous window with a huge elm tree
standing guard outside. Visitors to the centre would
regularly remark about how it felt calming, welcoming and
spiritual. It was a state-of-the-art building that oozed
positivity and wellbeing. It was truly unique, and the
architects Sheppard and Rout won an award for the design.
Working for the same organisation for the past 20
years is a remarkable feat (and not very common
anymore)—you must be proud of that?
I am very proud. It’s hard to believe it is 20 years because it
certainly does not feel like it. Those years have gone by in
a flash but so much has been achieved during that time.
Ultimately what has kept me here for 20 years, is believing
in a cause as well as the passion, enthusiasm and
dedication of my NZST colleagues and trustees.
—Dr Bernadette Cassidy
I was so thrilled, not many
professionals get to have
their dream job.
Who have been some of the best people you have
worked with over that time?
Ahh, there are too many to mention! I have had the honour of
working with many wonderful people over the years. I was
reflecting on my 20 years recently and realised that I have
worked with six CEOs all with their unique style! I count my
colleagues amongst my friends and if I had to list them, I
may miss someone out and I don’t want to offend anyone!
There has been a lot of fun during those years: the grape
picking fundraisers at Anne and Jim Sinnott’s vineyard in
Waitaki, and the wonderful cake and cooking competitions
which bonded the staff and provided connection.
What makes the SCI community in NZ special?
The SCI community in New Zealand is very close knit and
very supportive of each other. This is conveyed so well on
the NZ SCI Facebook page—where people share their
experiences and knowledge with others.
What did it mean to have a surprise party to celebrate
and reflect on this moment of 20 years?
It meant a great deal to me to celebrate 20 years with my
colleagues, friends and whānau. I felt so overwhelmed by
the accolades, gratitude and love that was shared. The
NZST is my second family and has a very special place in
my heart and always will.
What advice do you have for people who work for
the Trust?
At the core of the NZST is the people we serve and help on
their rehab journey. One of the NZST’s greatest strengths
is relationships. The relationship with our clients, their
whānau, and caregivers, and the relationships we have
with each other. You will not find a more supportive,
warm, friendly organisation such as the Trust.
20 years—how much longer do you think you will
keep serving in this role and helping others?
I don’t think I will be here another 20 years!! But I will be
around for some time yet. I have been very fortunate to
have been involved with many projects ensuring that we
carry on Prof’s legacy.
Did you ever think that when you started, you’d still
be here 20 years on?
No, I didn’t because at the time I knew very little about
SCI, but it quickly became clear that I could bring my
prior knowledge from my research and develop the library
service to how I wanted. I also got the opportunity to work
on many interesting projects—I learnt so much about SCI
in the process.