Debi Finlay is not a grandmother but she does get a lot of enjoyment out of running a grandparents group.
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Mrs Finlay is one of 350 volunteers who fill a range of vital roles at Orange hospital.
“It’s not just a giving role, it’s a give and take role,” she said.
“I get a lot of satisfaction. You’re doing something worthwhile.”
She heads the Grandparents Group, eight women and two men, at the hospital.
Volunteering in the children’s ward they play, talk and read with the children to give parents a break.
“I played Snakes and Ladders yesterday and I even won the one game,” she said.
The hospital is looking for more volunteers and will run a Behind the Scenes Tour on Monday November 26.
I played Snakes and Ladders yesterday and I even won the one game.
- Debi Finlay, hospital volunteer
General manager Catherine Nowlan will show people interested in becoming volunteers around the complex.
Volunteers work in areas including wayfinding, assisting patients in rehabilitation and cancer services areas, fundraising as part of the Premi Babies Association, occupying children as part of the Grandparents group activities, playing cards and reading the paper to assist patients at the risk of confusion, helping and walking with patients and working in the auxiliary cafe.
Carolyn Fitzgerald and Dorothy Brown are among the 36 Blue Ladies and Men who pack medicine and equipment into packs for nurses, help out-of-town patients with their washing and provide teddy bears and books for new babies.
Mrs Brown said she had been volunteering for 25 years.
“I moved back to Orange and I needed something to do. I came to the hospital and I’m still here,” she said.
“They are not long shifts. When you do walk out the door you do have a feeling of satisfaction.
“You make friends, if you want to meet new people you will make friends.”
Ms Fitzgerald said she had been volunteering for five years. “It is really fulfilling,” she said.
To go on the tour meet at the main entrance doors at 5.30pm.
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