Bayside Health has celebrated the volunteers who give their time and compassion to support patients, residents and communities across its regional sites, with three events held during National Volunteer Week.
Bayside Health is a public healthcare service looking after the metropolitan and regional communities, including Kooweerup and district, South Gippsland and Bass Coast, and is privileged to be supported by 270 volunteers across its regional areas.
Their kindness is felt every day – from visiting patients in hospital and supporting aged care activities, to helping people find their way, gardening, and driving patients to medical appointments.
Auxiliary members generously raise funds for essential medical equipment, while other volunteers contribute through Community Advisory Panels locally and the broader Bayside Health Community Advisory Committee, helping shape how the health services meet local needs.
A lunch celebration for Bass Coast volunteers at Silverwater Resort, San Remo, acknowledged long-serving volunteers: Penny Manning (five years); Helen Andrews, Nancy Brain, Victoria Huber, Cynthia Walker, Deborah Anglim, Elizabeth Beer, Ann Philpott, Lorraine Seaward and Terrence Shannon (10 years); and Paula Rogers (20 years).
Kooweerup Hospital held a Volunteers Lunch at the Royal Hotel at Koo Wee Rup to celebrate and thank volunteers. Each volunteer received a plant along with a special thank you card made from recycled seed paper that can be planted at home. Volunteers also enjoyed reading kind messages and positive reflections shared by residents and staff about the difference they make every day.
A Volunteer Appreciation Lunch at Korumburra Golf Club was enjoyed by volunteers who serve Korumburra Hospital and Leongatha Memorial Hospital. They were presented with certificates of appreciation and heard of volunteers’ achievements over the past year.
Bayside Health Regional Chief Executive Officer Louise Sparkes paid tribute to the volunteers.
“Together you help us to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of local people. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our patients, residents and communities,” she said.