Long-time Rockingham General Hospital volunteer takes home top honour
Rockingham General Hospital volunteer and winner of the SMHS Volunteer of the Year award, Pauline James
A familiar face at Rockingham General Hospital (RGH), Pauline James was recently crowned ‘volunteer of the year,’ having contributed nearly 40 years volunteering with the RGH Auxiliary.
In this time, she supported the Auxiliary through 25 years as a Committee member, and also rolled her sleeves up to offer frontline support to ED patients and staff, Elanora’s gift shop and Elanora’s café.
Now approaching her 90th birthday, Pauline has long donated her time, skills and experience, and continuously looks for opportunities to expand the Auxiliary’s work. She particularly enjoys spending time with patients and visitors, offering a friendly smile and lending a listening ear during what can be a daunting time.
Pauline remains especially proud of the Auxiliary’s scholarship program that enables staff who might not otherwise have the means to undertake learning and development, to participate and contribute to continuously improving patient care or streamlining processes.
On Thursday 20 October 2022, Pauline was recognised for her contribution, taking home the top prize in the ‘volunteer of the year’ category at the 2022 South Metropolitan Health Service (SMHS) Excellence Awards.
Pauline explained she has been involved in volunteering since she was a child during World War Two, when her parents worked to raise money for the Red Cross. She then continued volunteering in various capacities throughout her life, leading her to join the Auxiliary 40 years ago.
“Volunteering has been a very important part of my life, particularly since my husband died and I became a widow when I was only 57 – giving back to the community has really helped full a big void for me,” Pauline said.
“I have really loved being part of the Auxiliary and seeing first-hand the benefits our work at the café and gift shop bring to the staff and Rockingham community, such as funding equipment and creating scholarships for nurses to develop their careers.
“I’m approaching 90 now and drive all the way from Murdoch to volunteer in Rockingham – I know how hard it will be to leave RGH and I will miss it terribly.
“I really hope I can inspire young people to consider giving a little bit of time each week back to their community – I promise volunteering is worth it.”
SMHS Chief Executive Paul Forden said he is continually impressed by the high calibre projects, teams and individuals who are in the running at the SMHS Excellence Awards every year.
“We are privileged at SMHS to have a cohort of staff and volunteers who are so passionate and committed to further improving the patient outcomes for our community,” Paul said.
“Congratulations and thank you to all the winners, finalists and nominees.”
Read more about our finalists and winners (external site).
