Healthcare group honours volunteers

More than 100 West Gippsland Healthcare Group volunteers attended a special luncheon to celebrate the extraordinary impact they make across the health service.

Board chairman Christine Holland said in a time of rapid growth and change at West Gippsland Hospital, volunteers played a vital role in supporting staff to deliver care across many service areas.

“We thank all our volunteers for the thousands of hours they donate to improve the lives of others. Their contribution and the difference they make to our health service cannot be underestimated.”

Volunteers work in a diverse range of support roles on hospital wards, providing activities for older residents at Cooinda Lodge and Andrews House, delivering reading materials to patients and residents, and staffing community opp shops at Drouin and Trafalgar to raise money for medical equipment.

Other volunteers assist palliative care services, community rehabilitation programs, or make trauma teddies and crafts for young patients and babies.

Ms Holland said WGHG also greatly valued the vital role volunteers played in providing a strong and constant communication link with the broader community.

Highlights over the past year include employing a dedicated consumer engagement and volunteers coordinator position and establishing a new Community Voices committee with diverse community members to provide feedback and input into all aspects of WGHG’s services and plans.

During major building works at the hospital, a volunteer concierge team has been recruited to help visitors and patients find their way through the hospital.

“The team has been a wonderful resource during a challenging time,” she said.

Ms Holland also congratulated WGHG volunteers who were recently recognised at the Minister for Health Volunteer Awards. Nominated were volunteers from the Hospital’s book trolley team and Helen Allen who volunteers at Cooinda Lodge.

People considering becoming a volunteer at WGHG can apply online at:

https://www.gha2.net.au/WGHG/Content /About-Us/Volunteering

Or by contacting info@wghg.com.au or phone: 03 5623 0600.