Volunteers return to service at Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals

Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals volunteers are returning to work after a year’s absence due to the COVID-19 outbreak which began in 2020.

Mount Druitt Hospital’s Kiosk and Gift Shop volunteers – just some of the 120 strong volunteer workforce – will be back at the hospital from Monday 8 March, ready to serve and sustain the local community.

Wayfinding, Pink Ladies, ward helpers, courtesy desk, therapy dogs, cardiology and intensive care volunteers will come in scheduled intervals throughout March to ensure a COVID Safe return to service.

Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals volunteer manager Colin Dent is thrilled volunteers are back as they have been instrumental in helping the patients, visitors and staff.

“I’m looking forward to personally welcoming them back to work and meeting them for the first time,” Colin said.

“I’ve heard from many staff that the volunteers have been sorely missed and they are looking forward to having them back on board.

Mount Druitt Hospital Kiosk volunteer Emily Jancek is restocking the Kiosk shelves and is eager to open the shop.

The Appin resident and mother-of-one works two days in the shop and is always available to step in and work extra shifts.

“I’m glad to be back at the Kiosk, it gets me out of the house doing something and giving back to the community,” Emily said.

“It’s a huge weight off my shoulders knowing we’re coming back to work this month because I was getting really bored at home reading books and completing loads of puzzles!”

Twelve volunteers help run the hospital Kiosk and all proceeds made from sales are returned to the hospital to purchase medical equipment.

“We are seeking more volunteers to help run the shop and we welcome people who can commit their time and energy to the hospital,” she said.

Blacktown Hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU) volunteer Sue Rome has missed helping the department’s staff and patients and can’t wait to return to work for her fifth year of service.

“I’d like to come back to work as soon as I can so I can help the staff and take some of the tasks off their hands,” Sue said.

Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals has a volunteers who provide more than 15 programs to the wards and departments.

All volunteers undertake a safety and wellbeing check and their tasks will be reviewed to ensure COVID-19 safety plans are followed prior to their return.

If you are interested in volunteering at Blacktown or Mount Druitt hospitals, send an email to colin.dent@health.nsw.gov.au