Hospital helper- Loretta Sanders says volunteering at Casey Hospital is a rewarding experience. 63875 Picture: Kim Cartmell

By Lia Bichel
FOR more than six months, Loretta Sanders has been lending a helping hand, listening ear, or shoulder to lean on as a volunteer at the emergency ward at the Casey Hospital.
She is one of 350 Southern Health volunteers assisting staff, patients and visitors at over 14 sites across Melbourne’s south east playing a vital support role that significantly contributes to Victoria’s largest health service. Ms Sanders spends four hours on Mondays and alternate Wednesdays volunteering at Casey Hospital’s Emergency and is also responsible for training new volunteers.
“It is often an emotional time for patients and visitors and its rewarding to know you can support them in some small way by offering refreshments helping them get to their car, carrying their luggage or listening to them,” she said.
Though she only began at the Casey Hospital in September last year, Ms Sanders is no stranger to volunteering, having had a lot of experience before starting her own business. After selling her business, she decided to apply for a volunteer position at Casey Hospital despite having to drive about an hour from her South Gippsland home.
“I thought the atmosphere at the Casey Hospital was so wonderful and I wanted to be part of it,” she said.
“I love it. There is an incredible bunch of people working in Emergency and it’s great to see such team spirit.”
While Ms Sanders praised the staff and the hospital, Volunteers Services co-ordinator Jane Livingston said the volunteers were ‘amazing’
“I love my job because of the people I meet and the majority of volunteers who come in are fantastic. They are very interested in the work they do,” she said.
“They have great energy which is uplifting to patients and their families. The close-knit community feeling of Casey is evident through the volunteers’ work. They really do look after each other.”
Ms Livingston said volunteers go through interview process, police check and, in some areas, working with children check. They also go through induction training and work with existing volunteers. Anyone wanting to learn more about becoming a volunteer can call Ms Livingston on 9265 1099.