We're lucky to have our generous Volunteers

To celebrate the generous efforts of John Hunter, John Hunter Children’s Hospital and Royal Newcastle Centre volunteers, a special luncheon will be held tomorrow, Thursday 21 October at Newcastle Panthers Club.

General Manager for the Greater Newcastle Acute Hospital Network Todd McEwan said the volunteers’ luncheon is an annual event held in Newcastle to pay tribute to the invaluable contribution 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 raised almost $5 million since 1991 which has allowed us to purchase equipment to assist us in providing quality care for our patients,” Mr McEwan said.

“We have a number of volunteer organisations who work tirelessly to fundraise for the hospital and this year they have generously donated a range of equipment including cardiac beds for our Intensive Care Unit and 25 new wheelchairs.

“As well as their financial contribution, our volunteers are also instrumental in creating a positive atmosphere in the hospital and play a large role in ensuring that patients and their families are well cared for. Volunteers bring a sense of community care into a sometimes overwhelming clinical environment. Volunteers also provide our patients with someone to listen and a friendly smile.

“Our volunteers try to make the patient’s stay as positive as possible by providing comforting services whether it be through a visit from one of the Delta Dogs, an inspirational artwork hung in the hospital corridors or the loan of a book through the Children’s Hospital’s Book Nook, “ he said.

“Some of the other services our volunteers provide include booking on-site accommodation for relatives, delivering newspapers and magazines to patients, and making our hospitals and wards a more welcoming place.

“All of these activities go a long way in making the hospital environment more welcoming and our patients’ stay in hospital more enjoyable,” Mr McEwan said.

Media opportunity: interview and photo opportunities are available during the event. Please contact Abbey Wright to arrange.

Event Details:
Venue: Newcastle Panthers Club
Date: Thursday 21 October
Time: 11.30am - 2pm

Contact: Abbey Wright

Phone: (02) 4921 4477