The Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) today celebrated the loyal service of its many volunteers at a special certificate presentation as part of National Volunteer Week.
Volunteers and patients alike were treated to the beautiful and soothing sounds of a string quartet made possible through a special collaboration between the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and Hydro Tasmania.
National Volunteer Week recognises the generosity and commitment of thousands of volunteers across the country.
As part of National Volunteer Week, musicians from the Huon Quartet will be volunteering their time to play for patients, staff and visitors in the Cancer Support Centre of the hospital.
The concerts are made possible through AccessTix – a special community access program generously sponsored by the TSO’s Principal Partner Hydro Tasmania.
Chief Executive Officer of Hydro Tasmania Mr Steve Davy said the AccessTix program allows Tasmanians who are experiencing disadvantage to experience the beauty of music for free.
“We are proud to support today’s event, which brings comfort and joy to patients and celebrates the valuable work of volunteers.
“Hydro Tasmania is keenly aware of the value of voluntary work in our community, which is why we encourage our own people to use their time and skills to help grassroots organisations in the communities where we operate,” he said.
Royal Hobart Hospital volunteers provide a range of services throughout the site, such as guiding patients and their families through the hospital, staffing information desks, and providing social and emotional encouragement at the Cancer Support Centre.
Ms Shelley Haas, Manager of Community Engagement at the Royal Hobart Hospital said the volunteers were an integral part of hospital life and commended them for their ongoing work.
“We have over 100 volunteers dedicating around 20,000 hours of service to the Royal each year with the volunteers ranging from 18 to 87 years of age.
“Our volunteers provide support to consumers through a variety of services all of which are aimed at helping them feel welcome and supported,” she said.
One of the more unique programs recently introduced at the hospital is the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Cuddles Program, in which specially trained volunteers can be made available to settle, comfort and cuddle babies when parents are not able to be with them.
“The work undertaken by our volunteers is tremendous and makes a huge difference to the patients, families and any other consumer who is a recipient of their assistance”, Ms Haas said.
In addition to the other programs run through the Royal Hobart Hospital Volunteer Service such as a Guide Service; a Refreshment Service; and Courier Service to name but a few; the volunteers also undertake ongoing fundraising throughout the year. These funds are directed towards the comfort of patients and the acquisition of medical equipment throughout the Hospital.
The Royal Hobart Hospital congratulates and thanks all of its volunteers for their marvelous achievements and thanks both the TSO and Hydro Tasmania for their support
National Volunteer Week runs from 11-17 May.
Chief Executive Officer of Hydro Tasmania Mr Steve Davy
