Margaret Burgin (February), Fran Barber (April), Alex McErvale (May), Helen Powell (June)
Charlie Watt Volunteer of the Month Award
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May - Alex McErvale - Community Transport
June - Helen Powell - Grange
Photo: Ian McIntyre (January) & Joshua Stephens (March)
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October - Helen Walker- Community Transport and Op Shop Volunteer
November - Kay Hadden- Ward Volunteer & Hospital Harmonies
December - Peter Moore- Community Transport
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APRIL – Noelene Clarke – Has been volunteering in Coleraine with the Community Transport Service and also has had a large involvement with the Coleraine Hospital for the past 33 years.
MAY – Coral Luke – has been volunteering at the Hospital Op shop for the past 10 years.
JUNE – Gwen Rentsch - although a current employee Gwen has also been volunteering for the Penshurst Hospital in excess of 20 years. Her contribution to the hospital door knock has been phenomenal.
Pictured left to right - Coral Luke, Noelene Clarke and Gwen Rentsch.
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Jan has been a registered volunteer with WDHS for 10 years and whilst employed with WDHS, volunteered her time as well at Penshurst. Recently Jan has taken on the role of Theatre buddy, has volunteered in the Consultancy suites and assists District Nursing on a weekly basis by compiling their information packs.
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Pictured - Janet Crampton, Wendy Salter & Neville Linke
FebruaryJanet Crampton - Birches- nominated by Margi Bilston Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator. Janet joined the meal buddy program in September 2015 and has be a tireless and helpful volunteer ever since, supporting Margi in all areas of ensuring residents have a meaningful and supported life in aged care.
March – Wendy Salter – Grange, nominated by Carol Holmes Leisure & Lifestyle coordinator Wendy has been volunteering for WDHS for 6 years working with the planned activities group, the Grange residential care service, calling Bingo and assisting with activities and visiting residents. She also volunteers as a volunteer escort for Community Transport service accompanying residents to medical appointments in the maxi taxi enabling staff to continue their nursing duties and not to be taken from the floor
April – Neville Linke - Community Transport driver, nominated by Jeanette Ryan. Neville Linke has been a Volunteer Driver with Hamilton Community Transport service for 4 Years. He is a well-respected volunteer, the clients appreciate his caring quiet manner. He has great respect and empathy for the people he transports and goes beyond to make them feel safe and nurtured.
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WDHS August Volunteer of the Month, Julia Hearn
August Volunteer of the Month, Julia Hearn is a relative newcomer to volunteering at Western District Health Service (WDHS) and is making a real difference to the lives of residents at The Birches.
Mrs Hearn signed up as a volunteer in April last year, when WDHS commenced its Meal Buddy Program at the Birches.
The ‘Meal Buddies’ give nursing home residents a helping hand to eat their breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Volunteers help residents open dinner lids, position meal trays, pour tea or coffee, provide company and assist where they can while the person eats their meal.
Birches Unit Manager, Eryn Cottier nominated Mrs Hearn for the award and says her commitment to the Meal Buddy Program has been amazing.
“Mrs Hearn assists with the meals twice a day, three times a week and not only does she help the allocated resident but she also engages beautifully with the other residents as well,” Mrs Cottier said.
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July Volunteer of the Month, Anne Milne with her award
Anne Milne is the Western District Health Service (WDHS) Volunteer of the Month for July and has been volunteering on the Comforts Trolley at Hamilton Hospital for an impressive 20 years.
The comforts trolley provides toiletries, magazines and snacks for patients to purchase on the wards, Monday to Friday each week.
Volunteer Coordinator, Jeanette Ryan says the trolley volunteers not only provide patient necessities, but valuable interactions when they stop for a chat.
“The Comforts Trolley is not only about the physical comforts, the volunteers also provide company and conversation to patients as well.
Mrs Milne is one of around 10 volunteers who are rostered on the trolley and for two decades she has supported this service, which is an incredible contribution,” Ms Ryan said.
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WDHS June Volunteer of the Month, Katie Benson
The Western District Health Service (WDHS) June Volunteer of the Month is Katie Benson, who commenced volunteering at Penshurst Hospital 10 years ago when she was just 21 years old.
Ms Benson assists with Nursing Home and Hostel activities each week and has also volunteered with the Penshurst Planned Activity Group (PAG) for many years.
Volunteer Coordinator, Jeanette Ryan says Ms Benson is reliable and goes about her volunteering with respect and empathy.
“It has been great having Katie involved at Penshurst, she has been volunteering now for a significant period and knows all of the staff, residents and patients so well.
It’s also always nice to have a range of ages in our volunteer team, as each age group connects differently with our residents,” Ms Ryan said.
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WDHS May Volunteer of the Month, Rayleen Holliday
The Western District Health Service (WDHS) May Volunteer of the Month is Rayleen Holliday, who has volunteered for the Health Service for over 14 years.
Ms Holliday pays weekly visits to the residents at the Grange, providing important companionship and community interaction.
She also helps out with the Door Knock Appeal each year and prior to commencing with WDHS she also visited residents at the Grange as a Community Connections volunteer.
Volunteer Coordinator, Jeanette Ryan says despite suffering ill health over a number of years, Ms Holliday has continued to be a great support and offer assistance wherever possible.
“Rayleen is a reliable and loyal volunteer, who has supported the Grange Residential Care residents for many years.
WDHS is very fortunate to have Rayleen and so many volunteers who have contributed to the organisation over a long period,” Ms Ryan said.