Welcome to our new volunteers
We’ve welcomed a wonderful group of new and returning volunteers just in time for National Volunteer Week.
Volunteers have long played an important role in creating a welcoming health service, generously giving their time to help us provide GREAT care to our patients, residents, families and carers.
This year’s theme ‘Something for everyone’, couldn’t be more apt, with almost endless opportunities for volunteers to get involved at Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS).
Volunteers at our three campuses in Maryborough, Avoca and Dunolly, provide a welcome smile and raise vital funds for new equipment, renovations, gardening projects and scholarships.
Volunteer-run initiatives enrich the lives of aged care residents and clients at our three residential communities. While consumer and committee representatives help improve the quality of care and patient experience by sharing their knowledge and patient stories.
“We are grateful for our volunteers and auxiliary members every day,” said MDHS CEO Nickola Allan.
“National Volunteer Week is a great opportunity for us to put them in the spotlight and thank them heartily for their time, energy, skills and generosity.”
The newest group of volunteers were lunching and learning about their new roles and each other at an induction this week. MDHS CEO Nickola Allan was on hand to answer questions and extend a personal welcome.
During the day there was a particular focus on the importance of social connection to the health and wellbeing of residents and patients.
A simple chat over a coffee, a game of cards, a discussion about the news or local events, or some company in the garden can make an enormous difference to someone in care.
“We’re keen to get more resident and patient support volunteers on board and encourage anyone in community interested to get in touch. said Mrs Allan.
“The only skills you need are a willingness to connect and time to share.”
Volunteer visits are relaxed and social. Rosters are flexible, based around availability, and all MDHS volunteers receive training and plenty of support.
“Many of our volunteers say they find the connections made with other like-minded volunteers and staff are often as rewarding as the role itself,” said Mrs Allan.
“This is wonderful news to us. Our volunteers are part of the team here at MDHS and are integral to our ability to deliver great care to the community. We can’t do it without them.”
Email volunteers@mdhs.vic.gov.au or call 5440 2307 to find out more.
Happy National Volunteer Week everyone.