The important role of volunteers in today’s hospitals

When you think of working in a hospital, visions of doctors and nurses is probably the first thing that comes to mind. While these healthcare professionals certainly do some of the most important work, volunteers are an integral part of the hospital ecosystem as well.

Mackay Hospital Foundation volunteers are easily the most recognisable aspect of our organisation. Very few visitors, patients or staff members would attend Mackay Base Hospital without seeing the smiling faces of our friendly team. In their bright purple shirts, they are easily spotted throughout the hospital – at the Information Desk, the Gift Shop and various departments and units throughout the campus and community health facilities.

With a team of almost 100 active volunteers contributing 1,000 hours of service each month, the impact of our volunteer services is significant. From providing friendly wayfinding advice, companionship for patients on the wards, running the Gift Shop and Playgroup or assisting patients in Day Surgery and Oncology, our volunteers are actively ensuring patients, staff and visitors have a welcoming and comfortable hospital experience. And it’s a busy job!

Mackay Base Hospital is our region’s major health precinct supporting a population of approximately 175,000 people. In the past financial year alone 25,000 people presented to the Emergency Department, 200,000 outpatient appointments were conducted, 1,600 babies were born and over 5,000 surgeries were performed. With 1,500 staff working around the clock to provide health care to patients, our volunteers are working tirelessly to provide comfort, companionship, diversional activities and convenience services in what can be an overwhelming and stressful time for everyone.

Volunteers can expect a varied and stimulating working environment, where every day is different.  There is one thing you can be certain of, our volunteers are always meeting new people, and many become friends with fellow volunteers and staff.

Volunteers join our ranks for many different reasons – sometimes they’ve recently retired and are looking for something meaningful to do, others have been patients or had family members in the hospital and want to give back, or sometimes volunteers are studying medical or allied health subjects and are volunteering to gain exposure in a medical environment, but whatever the reason we are grateful for their support and generally have a role that suits them perfectly.

Volunteers are vital – they are the front-line workers that form the real and lasting connections with patients and help them to get better in a caring and comfortable environment.

If you’re ready to make a difference to patients and their families, talk to us about volunteering today.

T’aire Olsen
General Manager
Mackay Hospital Foundation