Werribee Mercy Hospital wants the community to see the hard and important work done by its passionate crew of volunteers.
What many in the community may not be aware of is the sheer diversity of what being a volunteer means.
On any given day at the hospital, volunteers can be found helping patients and visitors find their way around the site, offering companionship at the bedside, supporting administration and even maintaining hospital vehicles.
Experience is also worth its weight in gold, with some of the volunteers preferring to serve as consumer advisors.
This allows them to contribute their lived experience of the hospital system to committees and working groups that shape policies, information materials and even key organisational plans.
Beyond reviewing draft versions of Mercy Health’s public documents to ensure they meet the needs of the intended audience.
Consumer advisors also have opportunities to work alongside staff on multiple committees, attend information sessions and suggest improvements on the basis of their and other community member’s experiences.
Most recently, Werribee Mercy Hospital’s consumer advisors consulted on optimising wayfinding for the location’s new emergency department.
Other roles include joining the palliative care team, which involves working with patients, their families and friends, offering support, companionship and respite.
Whether guiding a lost visitor, listening to a worried family member or helping improve how care is delivered, these volunteers provide a valuable contribution to one of the country’s fastest growing communities.
Details: www.mercyhealth.com.au/our-organisation/volunteering/
