PEMBROKE – Over 400 volunteers support the Pembroke Regional Hospital with each, in his or her own capacity, making a contribution to the patient and visitor experience.
Volunteers at PRH include those in the PRH Auxiliary, internal hospital volunteers, those within the Pastoral Care department, those who serve on the hospital’s Board and Board committees, the Patient and Family Advisory Council, the Horticultural Committee and those who volunteer with the PRH Foundation.
On Thursday, April 19th, nearly half of the hospital’s volunteers who form a very important part of the healthcare team came together for a catered dinner at Pembroke’s Germania Hall, as part of a small token of appreciation for all that they do.
“Whether you help fundraise for equipment or other capital needs, lend support to our patients directly, provide support to our program and services, beautify our grounds, assist in areas of policy and governance, or offer comfort and other amenities to our patients, visitors and their families, you are all part of a much larger team than your individual affiliations,” said PRH President and CEO Pierre Noel.
“By volunteering, each of you has chosen to make a change – to make our part of the world a better place by giving back to our community in a way that best utilizes the skills and expertise you have to offer,” he said.
Acknowledging the importance of the hospital within the region, and recognizing that it requires many skilled and talented people to ensure the care of patients 24 hours a day seven days a week, Mr. Noel said that while having the latest technologies or services is important, none of these things would matter without the compassionate service provided by those who dedicate their talents in helping others.
So often, he said, when asked about their role in healthcare, a volunteer may be quick to say “I’m just a volunteer” but he assured those in attendance that what they contribute to healthcare is far more valuable than they may realize.
“In many cases, our volunteers are some of the first people our patients and visitors see when they enter the Hospital,” Mr. Noel said. “In this role you are the ambassadors, the greeters, the smiling faces that set the tone for whatever healthcare experience may be taking place, and I want you to know you are valued.”
As part of the dinner celebration, 22 volunteers were recognized for achieving long service milestones between five and 30 years of service and a pictorial tribute to the PRH volunteers was presented.
Mr. Noel said that volunteering is often seen as a selfless act through which a person gives their time, skills, experience and passion to help others, without expecting anything in return.
But he suggested that many in attendance would likely agree that they get more than they give.
“What makes volunteers like yourselves so special is that you come from all walks of life, you each bring special gifts and talents and whether you are a student or a retiree or somewhere in between you all come with a common goal – to make a contribution to those in our community by volunteering at our hospital and for that we are truly thankful,” Mr. Noel said.
