Profile on Loretta Santucci, programme manager for the surgical department.

Q: What does your job entail? As programme manager, I am responsible for the overall management, policy making and strategic planning of the surgical programme. I make sure there is a continuum of services provided for all patients requiring surgery.

Q: What special nursing skills are required? Having extensive operating room experience and skills as a perioperative nurse has enhanced my abilities for this position. Perioperative being the total care of a patient undergoing surgery, before, during and after.

Q: What challenges you the most at work? Programme management is a new concept in health care. The goal I have set for myself is a challenge in itself. To impart this concept to others is another.

My goal is to promote quality, effective, patient-focused care in a results driven health care organisation which is moving forward to streamline operations, improve financial performance and increase efficiencies.

Q: Is your work stressful? If yes, how do you manage your stress? Yes, my work is as stressful as most in today's workplace. I find that having a good sense of humour helps to relieve my stress. I suppose I should exercise as well (smile).

Q: Would you encourage young persons to enter the health profession? What studies are most important for age 10 to 18 prior college? Yes, I would encourage any young person who chooses the health care profession. A well rounded comprehensive education is necessary. Science subjects such as biology, chemistry and physics are also beneficial.

Q: Do you see yourself in another health care role down the road? Perhaps. For now I am too involved in this new position.

Q: What are your hobbies in your spare time? What little spare time I have, I spend in the garden. Yes, I have taken a fancy to the art of gardening and feel quite an accomplishment when the plants grow and bloom. There is some sense of peace in working the soil. Another way to relax and relieve stress I might add.

Q:If you had to do it all over again, would you choose a health career? Yes. you know I truly would.