Celebrating National Volunteers Week

You might recognise Oscar (pictured left) as one of the friendly faces behind the wheel and by the bedside for patients at Caulfield Hospital.

Helping drive people to and from appointments as well as volunteering on the ward, Oscar is one of a team of volunteers that help brighten peoples’ stay and visits for outpatient appointments.

Oscar began volunteering earlier this year. He was looking for a way to give back to the community after he and his partner sold their Fitzroy flower shop two years ago.

“I tried volunteering at an op shop but as soon as I stepped in there, I knew it wasn’t for me,” Oscar said.

Oscar was a medical receptionist prior to helping run the flower shop full-time in 2011.

“We sold the shop, we did the whole holiday thing, and then it was a moment of ‘now what?’,” Oscar said.

“I owe a lot to The Alfred and Caulfield Hospital because they have treated me for the past 20 years, they've been wonderful and I thought the best way is go and help them.

“Sitting with patients on the ward, I try to engage them in activities, drawing, reading and all sorts of different things to help keep their mind active.

“I feel lucky and grateful for what I'm doing because I can see there is such a need, and I’m glad I can help.

“I see the nurses and ward staff working so hard and providing that care to people, it’s amazing to watch, and I’m glad I can help them, even if it’s in a small way.”

For Kaylen and her dog Millie (pictured right), Tuesday mornings are the best part of their week. 

For a couple of hours Kaylen and her dog Millie tour around Sandringham Hospital, bringing joy to staff, patients and visitors.

“I float home after those visits, to see that joy that Millie brings is so wonderful,” Kaylen said.

“She delights patients. When we go in, she trots over to the patients she knows, and you can see their faces light up.”

Kaylen and Millie’s volunteering journey began after Kaylen initially took her other dog – and Millie’s son – Oscar to Bayside Companion Dog Training School.

“They said he should be a therapy dog – I told them you haven’t seen Millie, she’s born for the role,” Kaylen said.

“When I was a teacher at Mentone Grammar I’d take Millie in to help distract and relax students, usually before exams or on vaccination days.”

And so, it was a natural progression.

“The staff at Sandringham Hospital absolutely love her. There are some areas we go into and the doctors and nurses joke that I can leave her in there with them for the day,” Kaylen said.

“It’s nothing for me to bring my dog in, but for people, especially children, they forget they’re in hospital for a moment.

“To see those moments of joy is a great feeling, it’s so rewarding.” 

A retired computer programmer, it was Asha’s interest in the healthcare space that led her to volunteering at The Alfred (she is pictured centre).

“I was speaking with my friend who works at Sandringham Hospital about how I would like to do something related to health and hospitals, and she suggested volunteering here,” Asha said.

“That, and I can talk, so I thought I should put my God-given talents to work.”

Volunteering one day a week on Ward 7 East, Asha is part of our volunteer team who visits the wards to chat with patients during their stay.

“There are a lot of people getting treatment who are here from the country, and being oncology patients they’re staying here for a while,” Asha said.

“It’s rewarding, you have an opportunity to build rapport with people, and chat with them about their lives and family.

“A member of my family is having a similar journey with their cancer treatment, so it’s also an opportunity to talk with people about their treatment.”

Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Wong said Bayside Health Alfred volunteers are "some of the most incredible people, generously giving their time to support patients and help them feel comfortable, valued, and cared for during some of their most challenging moments.”

“We are so fortunate to have volunteers in our hospitals who make a meaningful difference to both patient and staff experiences," Sarah said.

“This National Volunteer Week, join us in celebrating their impact by taking a moment to thank the volunteers in your area.”