Recognising our volunteers

11 Dec 2024

On December 6, St John of God Subiaco Hospital hosted its annual volunteer Christmas event, a chance to thank and celebrate the contributions of incredible volunteers.

Held the day after International Volunteer Day, the event brought together 32 volunteers who play a vital role in making our hospital a welcoming and caring place.

Director of Strategic Projects and Capability Kirstie Bennett opened the brunch with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the volunteer's efforts, noting their collective contribution of nearly 700 hours each month.

Whether assisting patients, supporting families or helping caregivers — their dedication is invaluable.

The event also included length of service awards, celebrating volunteers who have provided between five and 20 years of service. Honourees included:

• Shirley and Kitty, who have been supporting the Labour Ward for five years.
• Mark, who has been supporting the hospital for five years, his current role being that of Sacristan and Acolyte.
• Deborah, with 10 years of service to the endoscopy team and several other areas of the hospital.
• Helaine, offering 15 years of care to the Subi Babies Parents Group and the Pregnancy, Baby and Beyond Clinic.
• Alana, whose 20 years with the day of surgery admissions team have been marked by her kindness and reliability.

Coordinator of Volunteer Services Kathrin Terblanche reflected on the volunteer's profound impact.

“Our volunteers spread kindness in the hospital, they embody the spirit of generosity and their dedication inspires us all," she said.

“Their selfless contributions make a world of difference to our patients and caregivers, and we are incredibly fortunate that they are part of our hospital family.”

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the tables were adorned with baubles printed with heartfelt messages of gratitude from patients. These messages, taken from Net Promoter Score comments over the past year, showcase the profound impact the hospital’s volunteers have on patient satisfaction and their overall experience.

This special gathering was a reminder of the vital role our volunteers play in bringing compassion and excellence to every corner of St John of God Subiaco Hospital.