Celebrating our volunteers
Volunteers are a valued part of the EMHS team and significantly enhance the hospital experience for patients, families and carers.
Volunteer groups operate across our hospitals providing a wide range of services, including transport for patients, making cups of tea, fetching extra blankets or shopping items for patients, challenging patients to a game of cards, or simply stopping by their beds for a chat. Volunteers also run various retail outlets, provide concierge services, staff the RPH museum, and provide comfort and company to patients with dementia or at risk of delirium.
Many of the EMHS volunteers are retired and want to make a meaningful contribution to their communities.
The absence of volunteers at our hospitals for several months due to COVID-19 restrictions, gave EMHS a renewed appreciation for the difference these individuals make across our sites, and we were delighted to welcome them back following the easing of restrictions.
New group creating cultural connections for Aboriginal patients
A major development on the volunteering front during 2021-22 was the launch of EMHS’ inaugural Aboriginal Volunteer Program, Wool-lar — a Whadjuk Noongar term meaning “celebration” or “happy times”.
The main goal of Wool-lar — which began in late 2021 — is to support the overall wellbeing of Aboriginal patients who might experience isolation and cultural and family disconnection from being in hospital, hindering their recovery.
RPH Haemodialysis Unit Nurse Unit Manager, Melanie McNeice, said that for patients who faced four to five hours of dialysis, three times a week for the rest of their lives, having somebody to yarn with and provide spiritual connection was of great comfort.
“I’m looking forward to making unity, making connections, making sure everyone understands everyone’s journey, where they’ve been, where they are now”
Noongar Elder, Athol (volunteer)
Beryl leaves legacy of warmth and kindness
In November 2021 Friends of RPH (RPH’s volunteer service) celebrated the contribution of long-time member Beryl, who retired after 47 years with the group.
During her time with Friends, Beryl crocheted 500 rugs for patients, many of which were distributed to dialysis patients. Over the 47 years, she also rounded the wards with a trolley shop, chatted and provided comfort and a listening ear to patients and served at the Friends’ gift store.
Despite having led a busy life, Beryl said she enjoyed her time as a Friends volunteer and even in retirement from the group, planned to continue crocheting rugs for patients.
When Phillip applied to be part of the volunteer team at AHS, he mentioned gardening as a special interest. His gardening skills were quickly put to use in the rehabilitation garden, which has burst to life under his care.
Pauline knows the trauma of attending an ED when a loved one is rushed to hospital. She experienced it personally when her late daughter, Soozie, was admitted to RPH unexpectedly with what later turned out to be pancreatic cancer. Today, as a member of RPH’s concierge service, Pauline tries to ease the trauma of an ED visit for other patients and their families.
Through a program called Lasting Words, volunteer Shane works with patients being treated palliatively at KH to tell their life stories and create an enduring legacy for their families.
Bus driver was one of five jobs self-described ‘people person’ Michael had during his working life — so he feels right at home, chatting to the patients he ferries to and from outpatient appointments, as a member of the Bentley Volunteer Drivers Group.
