Williamstown Hospital volunteers have their day

A team of Williamstown Hospital volunteers has been recognised for its good work.

The Hazeldean transition care unit volunteer team cares for patients who have had surgery or a hospital stay and require a more home-like environment to continue recovery.

The team supports patients and their families with a range of different daily activities to prepare for when they go home.

Western Health community engagement and volunteers manager Jo Spence said it was wonderful to see the Hazeldean team receive the Innovation Award as part of the 2015 Minister for Health Volunteer Awards.

“Over the past 12 months, our volunteers have achieved so much,” she said. “When we go to them for support, they come back to us full of enthusiasm, compassion and commitment.”

Health Minister Jill Hennessy said health volunteers made a remarkable difference in supporting society’s most frail, sick and vulnerable people.

“I congratulate the team on their willingness to step forward to help patients,” she said.

Western suburbs Labor MP Cesar Melhem said the award acknowledged the tremendous work performed by the team.

“Awards like these play an important part in acknowledging the hard work our health volunteers do every single day, especially in Melbourne’s western suburbs,” he said

Anyone interested in volunteering at Western Health can contact the volunteer management team on 8395 9092.