Patients at Redland Hospital who can’t access reading glasses can now enjoy books, magazines and puzzles thanks to a thoughtful collaboration between Bayside Health Service’s Eat Walk Engage (EWE) team, the Redland Hospital Auxiliary, and the hospital’s Sunflower Volunteers.
EWE Multi-Professional Assistant Janet Groom said the idea came after noticing that many patients missed out on reading simply because they had left their glasses at home.
“I approached the Sunflower Volunteers and Redland Auxiliary President Leighsha Beet at the kiosk, and they kindly agreed to support us with donated glasses,” she said. “We have many donated magazines and books to offer, but patients need their glasses to read."
Now, Sunflower Volunteers hand out reading glasses along with books and puzzles as part of their weekly rounds supporting patients across the hospital.
Eat Walk Engage Facilitator Fiona Garrett said the Sunflower Volunteers were a group of volunteers specifically selected to have a direct contact role with patients.
“Our Sunflower Volunteers offer companionship and cognitive support through activities like reading aloud, playing games, or simply sharing stories,” she said. “For patients who may be isolated or have cognitive impairment, these small gestures make a big difference.”
Volunteer Chris Bushby, whose husband lived with dementia, said her personal experience inspired her to get involved.
“I spend time with patients, talk with them, and help them stay connected,” she said. “If they need glasses, we now have them ready to go. It’s something simple that helps a lot."