Delicious food, a musical interlude, and wise words from members of the Executive team were all part of the festivities to recognise the incredible contribution of our QEII volunteers at this year's National Volunteer Week celebration event.
Acting Executive Director Julie Argus said each one of our volunteers make an enormous difference to how the community experiences the hospital.
“A big thank you for the amazing work you do. What you bring to the health service is phenomenal. You make a significant contribution to the patient’s journey.
“When someone walks into hospital, it can be the scariest experience of their lives. Hospitals are really rushed, busy places. What you bring to QEII in guiding people through that setting can’t be underestimated.”
QEII Volunteer Coordinator Amanda Spann said the hospital has 72 registered volunteers on hand ranging in age from 19 to 90 who work across 12 programs. Collectively, they work an average of 420 hours per week.
Volunteers Jazmine Casey and Gerry Finucane said volunteering with QEII’s CAREPACT and Outpatient areas has expanded their world.
“I enjoy volunteering, it’s a good group of people. I have four sisters and they all volunteer, so I think it’s bred into the family,” Gerry said.
“Being able to help people, to make their day a little bit brighter fills me with a lot of gratitude and purpose,” Jazmine said.
This year's celebration event rounded off with the volunteers' very own rendition of Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline headlined by music therapy volunteer William Seeto with support from ‘The Troupe’ and Director of Allied Health Leo Ross on bongo drums.
To all our wonderful volunteers, thank you so much for all you do at QEII!