The Volunteers at Modbury have not been able to return to patient contact roles since March 2020. Patients have missed the interaction whether it was making a cuppa for friends and family, supporting nursing staff or just offering a friendly smile. The signature blue shirts were certainly missed throughout the hospital.

The routine of our volunteers changed in an instance and for most of us it was an uncertain time. The friendships that are made when volunteering came to the fore with volunteers keeping in touch with each other by phone, email, and even drive-bys to give a wave or drop off a much needed item.

Currently, a high percentage of the Modbury volunteers are 70+ and are determined as vulnerable by NAHLN. From a team of nearly 100, we only have been able to bring back 20 volunteers performing administration tasks, but rest assured we are all working hard for our full team to return in the near future.

During the year we welcomed our second four legged volunteer, Monty, a golden retriever with his owner, Donna. Monty proved to be a big hit, especially in the Palliative Care Ward where he brought much happiness to patients, visitors and staff prior to COVID-19.

We were also fortunate in attracting a new volunteer, Jan, who loves to cook. Fortunately we all love to eat, particularly the beautiful themed cupcakes, vanilla slices and matchsticks.

To all Modbury volunteers thank you for your patience and understanding but especially your resilience throughout this trying time for all of us, you should be proud to call yourselves Lyell McEwin Northern Health Volunteers.

Sue Walsh

Modbury Volunteer Manager.

Hi, I’m Monte

You may have seen me around the place. You might have even heard people talk about me - I was in the newspaper!

I visit the patients in palliative care. It’s a pretty special job for me. Not only do I love seeing the nurses and doctors, but it’s bringing a smile to the patients faces that really makes my day.

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