NATIONAL Volunteer Week (11-17 May) was established in 1989 as a way of recognising and thanking the more than six million Australians who volunteer in the community.
At St John of God Berwick Hospital the volunteer workforce is a vital part of the daily operations of the hospital.
The volunteer service commenced in 2008 and has grown to include many services. Volunteer roles provide support to caregivers in most areas of the hospital, including clerical support in the form of assembling packages of information for mail-outs, serving refreshments to patients attending the new Day Oncology Unit, providing a courier service between departments, and supporting caregivers in the clinical areas of the hospital.
Debbie Bracker is a Berwick resident who has grown children and five grandchildren and regularly volunteers at the Day Oncology Centre, “I have volunteered at the hospital for around 18 months now. I’ve never regretted a minute. It feels so good to put a smile on someone’s face and help them feel better. It’s rewarding to give something back to the community.”
eally enjoy helping out and making people happy. I just love to see people smile.“
Jeanette Cronin, Co-ordinator of Volunteer Services said: “We have a fantastic group of people with a diverse range of skills and life experience who offer their time and services to the hospital.
“Their contribution greatly enhances the personal care we provide to our patients.”
Jeanette explains that the hospital’s volunteer program has increased its numbers significantly, including a number of students and young mums. The program has extended to people of all ages and a number of new roles have been created to facilitate the increase in volunteer numbers.
For further information contact the Margaret Robb on 9709 1414.
