PMH celebrates 310 years of volunteers' service

Thursday, 15 December 2016
 
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• ​Special recognition for 10 long-serving hospital stalwarts
• Hospital thanks more than 200 volunteers for wide range of support
• Volunteer opportunities at new Perth Children's Hospital

The festive season's spirit of giving has been celebrated early at Princess Margaret Hospital, with 10 volunteers honoured for their individual contributions of 25 years' service or more.

Presenting official certificates of appreciation at a special PMH Christmas event today, Health Minister John Day thanked them for their dedication.

"These volunteers embody the spirit of Christmas all year-round," Mr Day said.

"Two of them have clocked up 36 years each, with the combined service of the 10 people honoured today totalling 310 years.  At the same time, I congratulate every one of PMH's 200-plus volunteers, who contribute their expertise and time behind-the-scenes and in supporting roles."

Seniors and Volunteering Minister Paul Miles said the volunteers played an important part in providing a positive experience for young patients.

"The volunteers represent a significant human resource that extends and reinforces the capacity of paid staff," Mr Miles said.

"They add to the pool of care and compassion, and help create an atmosphere of warmth and kindness."

Mr Day said recruitment was underway for volunteers to join the group at the new Perth Children's Hospital.

"Now you have an exciting opportunity to move this incredible, historic service into a beautiful new facility and help usher in a new era for volunteering," he said.

People interested in volunteering opportunities at Perth Children's Hospital should contact volunteer co-ordinator Andy Wahid at PMH.   

Fact File

• PMH volunteering began in 1929, with the formation of the Women's Auxiliary to fundraise and support patients during the Great Depression
• Last December, the PMH Volunteer Association celebrated its 40th anniversary
• The PMH volunteer group has managed the kiosk, friendship room, outpatient tearoom, ward friends service and ward trolleys, the hospital's archives; and helped in the school rooms and various departments, including emergency, admissions, diagnostic imaging and the refugee health clinic
• The PMH volunteers have donated almost $3 million to the hospital
• Last week, the PMH volunteers got their first look at their new home at Perth Children's Hospital
• Research shows about 80% of West Australians volunteer over the course of a year
• In 2015, the State Government provided more than $1.3 million to support volunteering