The vollies with the softest hearts

A cuppa and a biscuit was offered to 48 of our wonderful palliative care volunteers to mark NSW Health Appreciation Day recently.

WSLHD Supportive and Palliative Care volunteer manager Kylie Clark said the morning tea was a small price to pay for the enormous contributions volunteers deliver on a daily basis.

“These volunteers are there for families, carers and patients with a life limiting illness,” Mrs Clark said.

“They provide care and comfort to patients during the later stage of their illness.

“This level of compassion and care can be difficult for family members or close friends, so these volunteers specialise in empathy and treat the patient as if they were their own loved one.

“They sit with patients, talk or listen to them. They even offer gentle hand massages.

“It’s never too much trouble for them to have a chat, make a cuppa or offer a helping hand to medical and nursing staff to support distressed carers and families.”

Supportive care volunteers work at Westmead Hospital in ward C5C, Blacktown Hospital in ward A71 and at the palliative care unit at Mount Druitt Hospital.

We salute all of our supportive care volunteers and thank them for their generous contribution to patients, families and carers.

If you are interested in volunteering please contact Kylie on 0427 730 596 or email kylie.clark@health.nsw.gov.au