VOLUNTEERS 

The Volunteer Department of ACHA Health currently comprises four key groups:

• The Memorial Hospital Volunteer Association
• Ashford Hospital Volunteers
• The Memorial Hospital Auxiliary
• Ashford Aunts

The role of the volunteer 
The role of the volunteer is essentially that of a care giver. Many people assume that in a hospital environment much of the care given is patient orientated, when in fact, there are many other areas where the volunteer is able to make a valuable contribution such as: 

With the Public - Volunteers with a cheerful demeanour and helpful manners show care.

With staff  - Reliable and responsible volunteer support in busy times shows care.

As a Craft worker and/or Fundraiser - Giving time and talent to raise money for the purchase of equipment, or to improve facilities for the benefit of patient shows care.

With patients and their family -  Listening, encouraging and doing simple tasks like watering flowers, shows care.

Volunteer to Volunteer - Supporting one another and taking an interest in each other’s well being as well as creating a happy working atmosphere shows care. As a volunteer you will be assigned to various areas of the hospital and given on the job training but no matter what tasks you perform, you will always remain a care giver. 

What can volunteers do?

• Become a companion or regular visitor to someone during their stay in hospital

• Drive patients home or to outpatient appointments

• Assist in one of the hospital cafés

• Escort incoming patients to their rooms

• Take care of patients’ flowers

• Provide a mobile library trolley

• Provide clerical support to hospital staff

• Assist with various fundraising projects

• Support ward staff in non-clinical duties

• Make and sell craft items

• Host trading table days and raffles

• Assist in rehabilitation therapy services 

The specific areas in which volunteers currently serve are:

Pastoral volunteers: responsible to Chaplain with Volunteer Coordinator liaison 

ACHA Foundation: Assisting with fundraising events

Training, Support and Recognition
Volunteer Induction Courses are held following a similar line to the Staff Orientation program followed by an individual orientation conducted by Volunteer Coordinator and/or designated area supervisors.

Recognition
Volunteers play an important part within the Organisation and are considered part of the team.  Volunteers are encouraged to take part in all hospital functions ie Open Days, Fundraisers, Anzac Day, etc.  Their input at these events earns them great respect from the hospital management, their fellow staff members and the community as a whole. 

Volunteer staff also receive service badges or other forms of recognition for continuous service.  

Meetings & Training
The Volunteers meet regularly at the individual sites for informal discussions relating to work and tasks and these meetings are chaired by the Volunteer Coordinator or nominee with minutes kept for records. 

Volunteers are expected to attend annual training sessions for Fire & Safety, Occupational Health, Safety & Welfare, Manual Handling which serve as refreshers on their initial training at orientation. 

Transport drivers, are required to submit to a police check on their driver’s licence and to undergo driver assessment training with a RAA instructor. Manual Handling training including wheelchair use will also be provided. These are conditions of this position. 

How to find out more
Simply phone the Volunteer Coordinator on (08) 8375 5939 during working hours.  An answering machine is operating at all times if these lines are unattended.

Being a volunteer of ACHA gives you the opportunity to play an important part within the Organisation and to be considered part of the team.