EGHS volunteers recognised during Volunteer Week

East Grampians Health Service has 143 dedicated volunteers, and all were celebrated during National Volunteer Week.

National Volunteer Week is an annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of Australia’s volunteers.

The theme for National Volunteer Week 2021 was ‘Recognise. Reconnect. Reimagine’, and EGHS is looking forward to reconnecting with its volunteers after many months of not being able to have them on site.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers were unable to undertake their valuable volunteering work at EGHS, and staff, patients, residents and consumers missed their contribution and care.

“Our volunteers are a valuable part of the East Grampians Health Service team, and over the past 12 months we have really missed them,” EGHS chief executive Andrew Freeman said.

“They devote countless hours to our health service and offer versatility, understanding, special skills and friendship for patients, clients, consumers, residents and staff.

“They also raise many thousands of dollars for the health service each year for new equipment and services.”

EGHS is gradually welcoming back its volunteers, with Patricia Hinchey Centre and Ark Toy and Activity Library volunteers now working in their respective areas, while aged care volunteers are soon to return.

“Our volunteers mean so much to us all – they are dedicated and focused, hardworking and full of innovative ideas,” Mr Freeman said.

“Thank you for volunteering and we look forward to welcoming you back throughout this year.”