Celebrating our volunteers this National Volunteer Week
(L-R) RkPG Volunteers Christine Robbins, Lillian Gowers and Chelsea Ayling
This National Volunteer Week (15-21 May 2023) we’re highlighting our wonderful Rockingham Peel Group (RkPG) volunteers.
From greeting patients and visitors and serving at kiosks, to driving patients to and from appointments or simply providing a welcoming face, our volunteers play an integral role in helping us deliver excellent health care, every time.
Across RkPG, over 140 active volunteers generously give their time to seven services and we couldn’t be prouder to have them as part of our health service.
Hear from RkPG Volunteers Christine, Lillian and Chelsea about their time as a volunteer.
Christine Robbins
A simple New Year’s resolution in 2016 led Christine Robbins to become a volunteer at Rockingham General Hospital (RGH).
The 37-year-old decided it was time to mix things up, and she hasn’t looked back since.
“A few years ago I completed a degree in Psychology and worked for the Salvation Army as the children’s coordinator for the state,” Christine said.
“Last year I made the decision to go back to uni and study a Bachelor of Nursing to become a registered nurse.”
Now a nursing student, Christine volunteers her spare time on the paediatric ward as part of the Radio Lollipop service – a service that brings laughter, fun and games to our younger patients to make their hospital experience more enjoyable and less daunting.
“The paediatric ward is a wonderful environment to volunteer in,” Christine explains.
“I get to meet many paediatric patients from newborns all the way up to teenagers, including their parents and carers.
“I try my best to find out what interests each child to bring some peace, joy and fun to their day, whether it be playing card games, doing some colouring in or just being a friendly face.”
No two days are ever the same for Christine as she finds herself offering a helping hand to care for a premature baby, helping to distract a child with balloons while staff provide treatment, and listens to a parent who is in need of a little extra support while their child is in hospital.
Christine encourages those thinking of becoming a volunteer to give it a go.
“There are many options and opportunities to take up as a volunteer,” Christine said.
“You will be shown the ropes and provided with all the resources you need to be a great volunteer.”
Lillian Gowers
After moving from the UK to Australia, 82-year-old Lillian Gowers joined RkPG a volunteer to meet new people.
The former learning disability support worker simply wanted to give back to the community.
“I have been volunteering for seven years now,” Lillian said. “
I love meeting the variety of staff, patients and visitors who walk through the hospital every day.
“Whether you stop by to have a chat in the hallway, or are assisting with directions, everybody has their own unique story to share with you.”
Helping make a different to improve the hospital experience for our patients and visitors, Lillian expresses just how great it is to be a volunteer at RkPG.
“If you’re thinking of becoming a volunteer, we will welcome you with open arms,” Lillian said.
“Being a volunteer gives you the opportunity to get out of the house, make new friends and be part of a wonderful community.”
Chelsea Ayling
Volunteering in Elenora’s Café at RGH, Chelsea came on board after completing work experience in school.
Busy volunteering behind the scenes, Chelsea plays an important role ensuring the café runs smoothly.
“I love volunteering alongside the other ladies in the café and being part of a team,” Chelsea said.
“Over the years I have been able to learn, grow and build my confidence as a volunteer.”
Initially taking up volunteering to gain some hospitality experience, Chelsea helps out at the café once a week.
This National Volunteer Week, we thank all our dedicated RkPG Volunteers for the time and effort they invest in keeping our hospitals running smoothly.
If you, a friend or a loved one are interested in volunteering at RkPG, get in touch via email at RkPG.Volunteers@health.wa.gov.au, or visit the volunteering page on the RkPG website for more information.
We acknowledge the generous support of Volunteering WA and Lotterywest in sponsoring our volunteer appreciation events at Rockingham Peel Group during #NVW2023 #TheChangeMakers.
