Our Healthcare Helpers are loving their new roles supporting patients and staff in our facilities and have overwhelmingly endorsed the volunteer program and the opportunity to give back to their community.
In a recent survey, 100 per cent of Healthcare Helpers who volunteer District-wide said they would recommend the opportunity to a friend.
97 per cent said they intended to continue volunteering with us for as long as they are able.
Healthcare Helper Program Manager Jenny Cleaver said these results were particularly significant, considering the proportion of the Australian population who undertake formal volunteering continues to decline.
Jenny said there are many reasons people want to volunteer with NNSWLHD:
- 59% – give back to the community
- 18% – remain engaged after a career in health
- 10% – previous health volunteering experience
- 5% – recently retired and seeking a new activity.
Some of the responses included:
“It's a privilege to be able to help people feel a little more at ease about finding where they have to go when obviously they've got more pressing issues on their mind when coming into a hospital.”
“All the staff at Maclean Base Hospital are 10/10 regarding support, respect and appreciation towards volunteers. I felt welcomed and guided since day one and I have been volunteering there for 13 months.”
“My personal experience has been positive. Our volunteer coordinator has excellent communication skills, is friendly, organised and warm in her interactions with me. I enjoy my role and do feel we add value to the hospital-visit experience.”
The Healthcare Helper program has local coordinators in Tweed, Ballina, Lismore, Maclean and Grafton who have worked incredibly hard to support the volunteers.
NNSWLHD Chief Executive Tracey Maisey said it was very pleasing to see that our volunteers are enjoying what they do, all while bringing added benefits to our health services.
“Our volunteers are valued by our staff and our community and they’re helping us to better deliver compassionate care to people from all backgrounds,” Tracey said.
Who can be a Healthcare Helper?
People from all ages, backgrounds and walks of life are encouraged to apply – no previous experience is necessary. All volunteers undergo orientation and training to ensure they are well-prepared for their roles.
You can help us spread the word to family and friends about volunteering.
Find out more about volunteering here or contact Jenny Cleaver on email or 0459 953 520.