Members of the community wishing to volunteer at Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) will now have the opportunity to do so, with the launch of a new Top End Health Service Volunteer Program today.
The new program has been developed to provide meaningful, well-structured and managed volunteering opportunities for our community, while enhancing the hospital experience for patients and their families.
Treena Millar, Top End Health Service’s Volunteer Coordinator said the health service was excited to be launching the revamped program at RDH today and Palmerston Regional Hospital (PRH) once it opens later this year.
“Volunteers play a vital role in supporting the delivery of services in hospitals and we are thrilled to now be able to provide that additional support in the Territory’s major hospital,” she said.
“The program will enhance our patients’ hospital experience with volunteers being able to take the time to engage them in a way our nurses, patient care assistants and doctors are not always able to do.
“Through duties such as wayfinding, providing a buggy service and companionship our volunteers will provide a warm and welcoming experience for patients and their families , putting them at ease during what can sometimes be a scary experience.”
Twenty likeminded volunteers will commence at RDH in the coming weeks and the program will then expand to PRH when it opens.
The launch has been arranged to coincide with National Volunteers week, which runs from 21st to the 27th of May 2018. The week celebrates and acknowledges the contribution volunteers make in our community.
“Volunteers are highly valued within our community, and as we celebrate their contribution today, I’d encourage anyone considering volunteering to get in touch and join our team,” Treena said.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and are able to commit at least four hours per fortnight, email tehsvolunteers.doh@nt.gov.au or call (08) 8922 6164 to find out more.
To become a volunteer you will need a current police check and working with children clearance.
Media contact: Rickie Abraham 0419818414
Media are invited to RDH at 11am today for interviews with Treena and volunteers.