(Please note some photos were taken in 2019 pre COVID mask wearing requirements)
The contribution of our volunteers is extraordinary and vital to our health service.
As part of our National Volunteer Week celebrations we spoke to some our volunteers to hear what they missed most while they were unable to attend Monash Health campuses in 2020.
Mary Nagendirarajah, Spiritual Care Volunteer at Dandenong Hospital
“I missed the mutual benefit volunteering offers; we receive as we give to patients too. Since returning to volunteering I feel like I’m breathing again and I have my life back doing the things I enjoy, making people comfortable and supporting them through difficult times.”
Nadee Basneyakee, Monash Children’s Hospital Paediatric Ward Volunteer.
“I missed seeing the smiley faces that I had grown familiar with. During my time away, I kept thinking of the games we could play when we returned and how things may be run differently. I missed watching nurses getting in involved in the games and the Clown Doctors that used to make everyone laugh. I thought of the families, parents and siblings who may have missed these interactions as well.”
Stuart Peterson, Concierge Volunteer at Cranbourne Integrated Care Centre.
“I really missed my twice weekly interactions with the clinicians and clients. Since returning I feel like I’ve been able to recharge the mental batteries and am really enjoying being back volunteering at Monash Health.”
Kath Harvey, Volunteer at Dandenong Hospital
“I missed helping and meeting a variety of people while volunteering. I also missed meeting the friends that I have made over the years and am very happy to have returned to volunteering as a front entrance guide at Dandenong Hospital.”
During National Volunteer Week, we encourage you to say hi and thank our dedicated volunteers for their hard work and dedication to Monash Health.
Approved by Dr Anjali Dhulia.