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Tamworth Hospital says thanks to volunteers
26 February 2009
Tamworth Hospital will pay tribute to its volunteers as part of NSW Health Volunteer Appreciation Day tomorrow (Friday 27 February).
The day is celebrated each year to recognise volunteers, such as Tamworth’s Fred and Kathleen Mitchell, who give their time to local health facilities.
The couple found a valuable pastime - and each other - when Fred began volunteering at the hospital 12 years ago.
“I decided I’d like to help out an organisation, so one day when I was at the hospital visiting a friend I signed up as a volunteer,” Fred said.
“A while later I met Kathleen, which was the icing on the cake for me.”
Kathleen volunteers in the gynaecology clinic while Fred is currently volunteering in the Intensive Care Unit, helping staff with simple tasks such as filing, sending faxes and restocking the tea room.
Between them the couple has dedicated about 30 year’s service to the hospital.
Fred said he loved helping out and always looked forward to a day in the ward.
“You never leave the place without someone saying ‘thank you’ – it’s a wonderful feeling,” Fred said.
Tamworth and Armidale Hospitals General Manager Fergus Fitzsimons said it was the dedication of volunteers like Fred and Kathleen that kept the hospital a point of pride for the community.
“Last year our many volunteers dedicated more than 10,000 hours to Tamworth Hospital,” Mr Fitzsimons said.
“Our volunteers fundraise, participate in the Local Health Advisory Committee and Ladies Auxiliary, organise social functions, help in our wards and keep our gardens in top condition.
“They all have an amazing willingness to give their time, so I’m pleased to be able to thank all of our volunteers with a small token of our appreciation tomorrow.”
Tamworth Hospital will thank its volunteers with a barbecue lunch at 12 noon tomorrow (27 February – NSW Health Volunteer Appreciation Day).
Tamworth Hospital volunteers, including Fred and Kathleen Mitchell, will be available for photographs and interviews at the lunch, to be held behind Tamworth Community Health.
Contact: Emma Gibbs
Phone: (02) 6767 7137 or 0428 114 767
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