24 May, 2013

‘The Gift of Time’ – 35 years volunteering at Whangarei Hospital

“The Gift of Time” 35 years volunteering at Whangarei Hospital

Daphne Griffin is Whangarei Hospital’s longest serving volunteer – this year reaching a mighty 35 years.

Today in Auckland Daphne was recognised and presented with a certificate of appreciation from the Minister of Health, Tony Ryall. Daphne was judged as an Outstanding Achiever (runner up) in the Long Service Award category of the 2013 Minister of Health Volunteer Awards.

Daphne began volunteering in 1978 as a meet and greet volunteer. This service provides welcome and support to patients and visitors as they arrive at the hospital and includes assisting people with wheelchairs and those with special needs and disabilities to find their way to appointments. A wonderful role model Daphne ensures positive first impressions for everyone as they arrive, especially for those for whom it is their first time.

Daphne spent 18 years assisting the physiotherapy pool team to assist clients in and out of the pool. When the Physiotherapy Pool closed Daphne returned to the meet and greet team and has been there ever since.

When the Red Cross was no longer able to continue the book trolley service Daphne took on the responsibility to ensure that the patients did not lose this service. Daphne collects books and magazines from the Red Cross and transports them in her car to the hospital delivering them around the wards and waiting rooms each week.

Volunteers add an extra dimension to the care and service provided to patients and visitors, by hospital staff. With the ongoing dedication and willingness that our volunteers have towards their designated duties they have become an integral part of the running of our hospitals - all happily contributing their energy and ideas and giving their “Gift of Time”.

A wonderful role model Daphne always welcomes new volunteers and is keen to share her experiences, guiding and mentoring them.

As we celebrate Volunteer Awareness Week and would like to acknowledge Daphne and her volunteer colleagues and give thanks and praise not just for this week but for the countless hours and years they have dedicated to help and support staff at all of our hospitals in Northland.

Northland DHB are always looking for Volunteers for our various services including; our shuttle bug, Meet and Greet, Children’s’ Playroom, and Emergency Department.

-ENDS-

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