Meet Brett – Sous Chef
Brett has worked at Buderim Private Hospital for seven years and is a Sous Chef in our Food Services Department.
1. How would you describe your role and what’s the best part?
My role is mostly hands on, preparing and serving meals for the various parts of the hospital. As Sous Chef, I also assist the Support Services Manager in the day-to-day management of the kitchen.
There are three things I enjoy most about my role. Firstly, it's the variety of the people I get to work with and I really appreciate how everyone thinks differently. I also really enjoy the problem-solving aspect of my role.
I also really enjoy the positive patient feedback we receive about our food. We try to think of our patients as if they were family members - we put a huge amount of thought and care into making and serving meals, and we hope that somewhere else a family member of ours would receive exactly the same level of service and quality.
2. What does a typical day at the hospital look like for you?
Most of our shifts start at 5am, so my alarm gives me a mini heart attack at 4:15am. The day begins with a prep list which you work your way through (longest jobs first with a little triage thrown in here and there). But to keep it simple, it’s the preparation then plating of food with some following up and communicating thrown in for good measure.
3. What’s one thing about your role that surprises people?
Quantities. We serve huge amounts of food and beverages. Last year we used over 2800kg of crushed tomato and 1000kg of green beans. We stock hundreds of items so there is lots coming in and going out every day.
4. What did the year 2020 teach you?
Don't take things for granted. You don't realise how much you appreciate some things until its gone.
5. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Anything that involves food with my partner (including trying a new restaurant, going back to an old favourite and having friends over for dinner), catching up with family and friends, taking my dog to explore new places and riding my mountain bike.
Learn more about Year of the Health and Care Worker and Buderim Private Hospital