In April the Middlesex Hospital Alliance formally acknowledged the contributions volunteers make at the Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital and Four Counties Health Services. At the MHA, volunteers are an integral part of the daily routine of the hospitals. At the Strathroy site, 90 people volunteered over 11,000 hours last year and at Four Counties, approximately 60 people volunteered over 5,400 hours.
According to MHA Volunteer Coordinator Judy Peters, volunteers provide an invaluable service to the hospital. “The volunteers are an important part of the daily operations of the hospitals,” said Peters. “They are able to do many tasks that assist the staff to provide the best care possible to our patients.”
To celebrate National Volunteer Week in April, both hospitals hosted recognition dinners for the many volunteers. The theme this year was Passion, Action, Impact. At SMGH, volunteers were treated to a delicious meal in the hospital cafeteria, prepared and served by the hospital dietary staff. Gina Taylor, Director of Patient Care, brought greetings on behalf of the MHA Board of Directors and Hospital administration. Dr. Chris Chant, the newest Orthopaedic Surgeon at the MHA, was the guest speaker for the evening. “First and foremost,” began Chant, “thank you for all you do!” He then provided the Volunteers with a very informative presentation about his journey to becoming an orthopaedic surgeon, his specialties and his commitment to the patients served by the Middlesex Hospital Alliance. The evening ended with door prizes for the volunteers.
At Four Counties, the dinner, prepared and served by the hospital dietary staff, was held in the hospital auditorium. Catherine Osborne brought greetings from the MHA Board of Directors and Paul Long, Chief Financial Officer, spoke on behalf of the hospital administration. Sherry-Lynne Kirschner spoke to the group about teaching children the art of Mindfulness/Wellness and how this can benefit Seniors/Volunteers as well.
Dorothy Macaulay, Gertrude McColl, Edna Simpson, Agnete Kjeldsen and Marjorie Wilkins were each recognized for 20 years of volunteer service. Doretha Hick was honoured for 25 years of service. The evening ended with door prizes for the volunteers.
The MHA also recognized and thanked the Volunteer Coordinator at the MHA, Judy Peters. Not only does Judy lead the volunteers, Judy herself is a dedicated volunteer.