Our journey so far

Volunteers have been an integral part of the fabric of the local healthcare network even before the Lyell McEwin Hospital was officially opened on the 22 April 1959.

Three months prior to the official opening at the inaugural meeting of the Hospital Auxiliary on 29th February 1959, volunteers were actively preparing for the official opening of the Hospital and making soft furnishings for the main Hospital and Nurses Home.

Following the official opening of the Hospital, volunteers visited patients with a cuppa and a friendly chat, cared for their children and guided loved ones and visitors to their bedside. They arranged fresh flowers and delivered gifts to patients throughout the Hospital.

As the Hospital grew so did the need to establish a Volunteer Association to manage this caring group that gave their time and energy with no expectation of anything in return.

It was just over 30 years ago the Association was incorporated and provided the opportunity to raise their own funds, principally through the management of the Hospital Café and Giftshop.

Today the Association supports patients and loved ones across the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, including the Lyell McEwin and Modbury Hospitals. With over 270 volunteers, the Association is one of the largest Hospital based volunteer services in the country.

Even with the advancement of technology, the Association’s volunteers still provide that timeless caring that only a cuppa and friendly chat can bring to someone who is in Hospital or visiting loved ones

2019 was the year we celebrated 60 years of caring for the community and expanded our service to include 100 volunteers that provide support at Modbury Hospital. Our volunteer’s presence can be felt across 35 areas of the Hospitals in addition to the work we do in the community through the Northern Respite Care and Lyell McEwin Volunteer Op Shop (Thrifty V) programs