Volunteers are the heart and soul of a community, and they play a critical role in enhancing patient care at Mater Private Hospital Townsville.
This week, during National Volunteer Week (19-25 May) Mater is celebrating the thousands of hours of work its 60 Townsville volunteers contribute each month.
On Tuesday 20 May Mater's most dedicated volunteers were thanked and recognised with Mater Long Service Awards at a celebratory lunch.
"Mater Volunteers are an integral part of our patient care, offering social connection as well as compassionate and operational support," said volunteer co-ordinator David De Witt.
"We have many that have volunteered for decades, and several will be receiving Long Service Awards this year."
Betty Hindom (84) was recognised for her decade of volunteer work, which involves greeting patients and delivering mail, gifts and flowers to them in the wards.
Mrs Hindom's long association with Mater Private Hospital Townsville began 50 years ago when she worked as tea lady, delivering meals and drinks to patients.
During the 1990s she worked for seven years cleaning operating theatres at night.
"I've only ever worked or volunteered at Mater, and I really enjoy the community of people and helping patients when they need it," said Mrs Hindom.
Retired engineer 78-year-old Eion Wheeler was also recognised with a Long Service Award after a decade of volunteering at Mater.
Like Mrs Hindon, he is one of the friendly faces that meet and greet patients and visitors to Mater Private Hospital Townsville.
"It gives me a great sense of purpose and I feel like I'm contributing to society and the hospital community," Mr Wheeler said.
Former patient Stanley Cronin (80) has also clocked up nine years of service volunteering at Mater Private Hospital Townsville, where he was one of the first patients to undergo heart bypass surgery more than 20 years ago.
"I enjoy being able to give back to the hospital that saved my life, and that also provided exceptional care to my former wife Thelma, who died from brain tumour," said Mr Cronin.
Mater Private Hospital General Manager Stephanie Barwick said: "We appreciate the many hours our volunteers contribute, they are an important part of patient care at Mater and their acts of kindness provide much needed comfort and support to patients in their most vulnerable moments."
More volunteers are needed for a variety of roles, if interested call David De-Witt on 07 47274118.
