LMVA Annual Report 2020
Director of Volunteer Services Report
Two key words come to mind when looking back at a period when a quarter of the year has seen our service rendered immobile by a pandemic: Persistence and resilience.
Persistence; from volunteers driven by sheer commitment to the hospital community who stayed on through the weeks in March when South Australia along with the rest of the world entered into a scary, unknown phase. Persistence; from Association staff who pursued permissions with NALHN staff and put in place a safe plan for volunteer return.
Resilience; from volunteers who returned to volunteering after three months of being off the floor, albeit in limited capacity in many areas , whilst ensuring safety and compliance. Resilience: from staff who worked with the hospital to modify roles and undertook diligent administrative tasks to ensure compliance.
Permissions and procedures to enable return to volunteering by mid-June 2020 endured through three months leading up. At LMH we gave up our offices to accommodate the COVID-19 Clinic and commenced work from the Playspace that was un-operational due to COVID-19.
Never before has the need for consistent, accurate communication proved so essential as it has been during this time. Waking up each day to news that gave rise to anxiety and panic was not easy and as the weeks wore on, doubts as to whether we would ever re-commence and when crept in.
Communication at this stage was not just enabling us to keep in touch, it was a critical tool that ensured the well-being and managed expectations of our diverse volunteer group who were uncertain of the future.
National Volunteer Week in May was acknowledged but without a get–together celebration. Years of Service certificates were not distributed as a consequence.
It did not come as a surprise, but what stood out through all these months was the acknowledgement from hospital staff of the void volunteers left with their absence and the overwhelming welcome received when they returned. It truly puts our service in perspective and though classed as ‘non-essential’ the impact our volunteers make is truly remarkable.
TV & Newspaper Trolley
With patients receiving free Television at the hospital, our involvement with the distribution of TV vouchers and Newspapers across both Lyell McEwin and Modbury Hospital came to a close. We thank our dedicated volunteers who have undertaken this role with sincerity, attending 364 days of the year. This service has not only been of great value to the hospital, it has also earned additional revenue for the Association.
Comfort Care Program
Recruitment and Training that commenced in the last financial year saw a full team of comfort care volunteers across Special Care Nursery and Children’s Ward. Being a specialised programme a significant amount of coordination and feedback monitoring took place before all teething issues were settled. This service became impacted earlier than the rest of the volunteer service was withdrawn due to COVID-19.
LMVA Comfort Care Program
Manju Shelke
Director of Volunteer Services