How our volunteers make us healthier

BASS Coast Health paid tribute to its nearly 200 volunteers at a Volunteers Forum at the Cape Paterson Surf Lifesaving Club on Friday, May 19.

Every National Volunteer Week, BCH holds a special event to celebrate the contribution made by its volunteers who help provide healthcare to the community and grow the hospital’s services.

Volunteers help BCH in many ways: transport driving, administration, wayfinding, gardening, aged care visiting, ward visiting, car washing, consumer advisory committees, auxiliaries, volunteer concierge… and so many other activities that have helped BCH staff and the community.

During the month of May 2023 alone, the volunteer drivers will have conducted more than 100 trips.

BCH CEO Jan Child said so far this financial year, the volunteers have given 15,000 hours of service.

“In the next financial year, we plan to grow our volunteer program even more by adding spiritual care, further ward visiting and administration roles, pet therapy and caring for our indoor plants.”

BCH is fortunate to also be supported by these auxiliaries: the BCH Inverloch Art Show Auxiliary, BCH Ladies Auxiliary, BCH Phillip Island Health Hub Auxiliary, BCH San Remo Opportunity Shop

Auxiliary and BCH Inverloch Fundraising Auxiliary.

Combined, these auxiliaries raised nearly $229,500 for BCH in the past 12 months.

Volunteers service awards were presented to the following:

• Five years of service in Administration, Concierge and Wayfinding: Raye Bolam-Tucker (also BCH Ladies Auxiliary), Caroline Donohue, Dawn Ashenden and Margie Robinson

• Five years of service in Transport: Gaye Da Silva Carias, John Hamilton, Frank Huber, Mel Marks, Barry Malvern, Andrew Marston, Paul Robinson, Wayne Skat and Christine Thompson

• Five years of service to Inverloch Art Auxiliary: Susan Hall, Lynette Hodges, Marie McDonald, Sarah Spencer-Smith, Deb Watson, Jane Woods (also Pastoral Care) and Susanne Wright

• Five years of service to San Remo Opportunity Shop: Monica McKay, Maree Staaf (also Bass Coast Health Ladies Auxiliary), Anne Jacques and Leonie Thomas

• Five years of service to our Community Advisory Committee: Diana Holmberg, Jenny Lonergan (also Phillip Island Health Hub Auxiliary), Greg Mead and Faye Tuchtan (also Administration and Wayfinding)

• Five years of service to Griffiths Point Lodge visitors and community group volunteers: Jan Klain, Helen Watson and Diane Stirton (community group volunteer)

• 10 years of service: Cath Moutafis (Acute Ward and Concierge), Suzanne Michael (Pastoral Care at Griffiths Point Lodge), Sara Fleisner (San Remo Opportunity Shop) and Caroline Talbot (Community Advisory Committee and San Remo Opportunity Shop).

If you are interested in joining this dynamic team please contact the Volunteer Support Team on 5671 3372 or email Vicki.Riley@basscoasthealth.org.au