Sometimes a smile can make all the difference – and thanks to our wonderful Volunteers at Monash Health, we’re never in short supply.
This National Volunteer Week, we’re recognising the diverse passions and talents our volunteers bring to the act of volunteering, and the outstanding contributions that have been made to our health service.
From ward ambassadors and guides to consumer advisors, spiritual care and Needle Syringe Program volunteers, our cohort of over 310 volunteers graciously donates their time across many Monash Health sites, playing a significant role in creating a warm and welcoming environment for our patients and visitors.Our volunteers are always prepared to go above and beyond to make a difference for our patients and volunteers.By helping patients and their families navigate challenging times and providing kindness and company to people who need it most, our volunteers have a huge impact on the experience of our patients.
For Kingston Centre volunteer Chloe Tay, utilising her multilingual skillset has sometimes been the key to ensuring a positive patient experience.
“There was a time I heard a lovely elderly woman mumbling in Mandarin, and she looked in pain, so I walked closer to her bed and asked her if everything was alright,” she said. Volunteer Chloe Tay.It turned out the patient’s compression stockings were bothering her, and thanks to Chloe, she was able to call the nurse over and explain to the patient why they were medically necessary for managing her condition.
“The patient didn’t understand English well, so I was able to translate to her exactly what the nurse said and then we chatted about our families, hobbies and previous vacations,” Chloe said.
“She was very grateful to me.”
Meanwhile, for long-term Volunteer at Dandenong Hospital and Chestnut Gardens Vicky Cooper, running regular Bingo games for residents, dressing up as Santa during Christmas and as a witch during Halloween is how she fosters positivity and laughter while on shift. Volunteer Vicky Cooper.“I love being involved within the community and have a huge passion for making a difference to our employees, patients, family members and our wonderful residents,” she said.
We are incredibly grateful for the care and kindness our volunteers, like Chloe and Vicky, give freely to our patients and their incredible dedication to making a real difference.
Our annual volunteer lunch is being held on Thursday 23 May at the Huntingdale Golf Club to thank our volunteers for their commitment to Monash Health.
If you see one of our volunteers this week, make sure you say thank you and let them know how much we value them!
We have volunteers across the aged spectrum (from 19, to their late eighties!). Some have just joined us this year, while others have volunteered with us for decades. It’s never too early or too late to volunteer, so if you or someone you know wants to volunteer with Monash Health, please get in touch with volunteers@monashhealth.org.
