The astonishing commitment of Mid North Coast hospital volunteers was celebrated at the United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW recent Zone Day.
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About 60 volunteers representing the UHA and Pink Ladies at hospitals and community health centres from Coffs Harbour to Wingham attended the annual get-together, which this year was hosted by the Wauchope Hospital Volunteers.
Branch reports revealed a massive $462,000 worth of equipment had been donated to Mid North Coast Local Health District hospitals and community health centres in the 2017-18 financial year and an amazing 101,000 volunteer hours had been logged by the UHA's 537 volunteers.
Bellingen Hospital and Pink Ladies support of Bellingen River District Hospital included $6634 in donated medical equipment, which included a spirometer and patient lifter, made possible by the branch's 29 members who gave a total of 1425 volunteer hours.
MNCLHD Chief Executive Stewart Dowrick attended the Zone Day to personally thank the volunteers for their time, hard work, and compassion.
"These wonderful people turn up at our hospitals week after week, working in cafes, helping patients, assisting staff, providing a carpark pick-up and drop-off service for visitors and so much more," Mr Dowrick said.
"They are a vital part of our health team on the Mid North Coast and it's an honour to know and work with them.
"We are indebted to our volunteers who are never too busy to share a kind word and a smile with our patients and our staff. They make the world of difference at all of our sites."
Also attending the Zone Day was Oxley MP Melinda Pavey, the UHA's State President Linda Swales and the North East Regional Representative Dee Hunter.
"Volunteering is a wonderful way to become involved in the community and make a difference," the state president said.
"We, the members, know that giving the gift of time, skills and talents is a rewarding experience for us all.
"Our first gift is of time and our second is the gift of purchases to fulfil our commitment of care and comfort for patients, clients and residents," Mrs Swales said.
