Volunteers from John Hunter Hospital, John Hunter Children’s Hospital and the Rankin Park Campus will be recognised for their hard work and dedication tomorrow at a special appreciation luncheon to be held at West Leagues Club.
General Manager for the Greater Newcastle Acute Hospital Network Todd McEwan said the volunteer appreciation luncheon is an important event to acknowledge the invaluable contribution the volunteers make to our hospitals.
“Volunteers are an indispensable asset to our hospitals, providing the driving force behind much needed fundraising. The volunteers in our hospitals have fundraised more than $4.5 million since 1992 which has allowed us to purchase equipment to assist us in providing quality care for our patients,” Mr McEwan said.
“As well as their financial contribution, our volunteers also play a large part in contributing to the care and comfort of patients and their families during often difficult times.
“Some of the services our volunteers provide include booking on-site accommodation for relatives, delivering newspapers and magazines to patients, and making our hospitals a more welcoming place by providing entertainment and artworks for our wards.
“Each of these activities contributes to making the hospital environment more welcoming and our patients’ stay in hospital more enjoyable,” he said.
Area Director of Kaleidoscope Professor Trish Davidson said when the John Hunter Children’s Hospital was first established, it was the fundraising group, the John Hunter Children’s Hospital Kids Club that rallied the community to provide much-needed funds to help make the hospital environment much more child-friendly.
“In 2008, the Kids Club purchased $70,000 of equipment to support our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, respiratory medicine and surgical teams, as well as providing essential assessment tool and clinic facilities for Kaleidoscope services provided throughout the community," Professor Davison said.
“Earlier this year the Kids Club celebrated their 15th birthday, as well as the significant milestone of raising $2million for sick kids of the Hunter," she said.
The tireless efforts of the Kids Club and other dedicated Hunter New England Health volunteer groups have significantly contributed to the purchases of equipment as well as supporting services that enhance a patient’s experience within the hospital setting.
“Thanks to the services provided by our volunteers, our hospital environments continue to change, offering engaging activities that give comfort and support,” Professor Davidson said.
Media Opportunity: Interview and photo opportunities are available during the event. Please contact Sharna McCarthy to arrange.
Event Details:
Venue: West Leagues Club
Date: 6 November 2008
Time: 12noon to 2pm
