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Volunteer News
New Meal Buddies
A group of new ‘meal buddies’ were trained recently and have begun shifts assisting patients in Jim Gay during lunch times. This program addresses the difficulties some patients face when eating a meal.
Inside this issue:
New Meal Buddies 1
BHS Update 2
Gandarra – Thanking volunteers 2
Thank you! 3
Volunteer Vacancies 3
Christmas Celebration 3
Flu Shots 3
Contact us 3
Donations – Last Call 4
Roast Anyone?
Volunteer News
Autumn 2014
Maddie and Amelia discover how difficult spreading margarine is with only one arm
The group examined modified meals and learned about the need for varying consistencies
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Volunteer News
Right: Spiritual Centre; far right: car park
into Henry Bolte building. The second floor will also extend into Henry Bolte Wing with 32 new beds and redevelopment of the Children’s Ward. The new building will have capacity for an additional two storeys for future development.
While these works are happening, the main entrance into BHS will be in Sturt Street.
The new Dental Clinic is being built in Sebastopol.
Plans are underway to have a new Mother/Baby Unit built providing support for mental health.
Planning for providing more accommodation for out of town patients is underway.
Update on the latest BHS building developments
The car park has been shut down and foundation work has begun on the multi storey car park. An extra 300 car spaces will be provided and is due to be completed by the end of 2014.
At the back of Radiology department, a new MRI building and machine is being installed.
Although we have an existing MRI machine, it is privately owned and only operates during certain times of the day.
Our new spiritual centre is complete with works continuing on the garden.
Work on the new Pharmacy and Diagnostics waiting area are due for completion in May Yuille House will be demolished in May. We will have a new entrance; first floor will provide a new entrance for Operating Suite
Gandarra – Thanking their volunteers
Gandarra volunteers were treated to a lovely Christmas lunch by the very generous staff last December. The volunteers have been an integral part of Gandarra since it opened some 17 years ago. They are there to bring companionship to patients and their families, and to assist with meals, flower arranging, aromatherapy, etc. Each Christmas the staff acknowledges their contributions by hosting a special lunch.
“It’s just our way of letting our volunteers know how special they are, not only to us, but to our patients and their families too”, said Nurse Unit Manager Maree Kewish
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Volunteer News
Volunteer Vacancies
We are currently looking for volunteers to work in the following departments:
PS Hobson Nursing Home to join in activities with Residents
Specialist Clinics, keeping patients company
Governance and Risk Unit, surveying and data collection
Newspaper delivery
Queen Elizabeth Centre Buddy Program, visiting patients and reading, chatting, games, etc.
Christmas Celebrations
Santa (Volunteer Dave) visited BRICC to spread a little cheer amongst the patients.
He is pictured with his Elf helper, who looks suspiciously like Gayle!
Volunteers once again enjoyed a lovely Christmas lunch in Lederman Hall on International Volunteer Day, December 5 last year. They were entertained by Sing Australia, who presented a lovely program of Christmas Carols.
Get in touch
Volunteer Services Queen Elizabeth Centre 102 Ascot Street South, Ballarat
Sue Jakob
Tel: (03) 5320 6931 Email: [email protected] Gayle Simpson
Tel: (03) 5320 3789 Email:
[email protected] A big thank you to Bob
and Allen from Jack Lonsdale Lodge. The
“boys” together with Lifestyle staff have washed, polished, fitted
missing footplates and checked the tyers on all
the wheelchairs. They look like new again!
Flu Shots
BHS Volunteers are eligible to have a free flu shot. Clinics are located at various sites, and at different times. Please speak to your supervisor or local staff to find out when clinics are running. Blue forms are available from your Volunteer Liaison Rep or from Volunteer Services.
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Volunteer News
Last call for donations!
We hope to have this finalised by Volunteer week.
We are 85% there! Thank you for all your support.