News
Dedicated volunteer hands over the reins
Oct 09, 2018
Dedicated volunteer Maria Neave knows first-hand the quality of care being provided by staff at Peel Health Campus (PHC).
The Mandurah grandmother, who has recently retired as President of the ‘Friends of the hospital’, has twice been a patient at PHC in recent years and her husband has also used the hospital services.
However, it was the “excellent” nursing care her ageing mother received in the Emergency Department (ED) in 2002 that prompted her to become a member of the 140 strong volunteer group.
Maria has now finished up as the President of the volunteer group, a position she’s been in for the past four years.
The well liked local, who is described by her peers as a “kind, caring, loving and unselfish person” will remain a volunteer.
‘Friends of the hospital’ play an invaluable role at PHC by:
- raising funds from sales at the kiosk and via the “lolly trolley” to buy equipment;
- driving renal patients to and from the hospital for treatment;
- accompanying patients from the admissions area to the Day Procedure Unit and ward areas;
- sitting at the ‘welcome’ desk and providing information and directions to patients and visitors;
- making up admission/comfort packs for patients.
In recent years the group have funded wheelchairs, beds, simulation mannequins and more recently a $10,000 coffee machine for the oncology and haematology service.
One patient who is benefiting from the new coffee machine is Riverside Gardens resident Rhonda Moroney.
Rhonda has been undergoing chemotherapy at PHC after being diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year.
“I have really enjoyed being able to have a coffee while I am confined to the oncology and haematology unit,” Rhonda said.
Maria Neave said she had thoroughly enjoyed the role of President.
“All the volunteers are here at the hospital because they really want to be here and they all do the job with a smile on their face,” Maria said.
PHC CEO Dr Margaret Sturdy thanked Maria for her term as President and welcomed newly appointed President Denise Rouse, known to everyone as “Dee”.
“Maria is a lovely, generous spirited person who is always a joy to be around,” she said.
“Maria is very comfortable that she is handing the ‘Friends’ over to a very capable successor.”