Western Health is in dire need of volunteers for its meal assistance program recently introduced at Williamstown Hospital.
The program, which won the 2012 Minister for Health Volunteer Award for outstanding team achievement, aims to reduce the incidence of patient malnutrition and make mealtime more sociable.
Volunteers visit patients who may need cheering up and stay while lunch is served, offering assistance such as opening containers and ensuring utensils are in easy reach.
University student Karla Sooknandan started volunteering at the hospital after moving to the area about a month ago.
“I’m loving it,” she said.
“[The patients] just seem to really enjoy having a chat – it kind of splits up their day from just being in the hospital and sitting around or doing their physio sessions.
“In the past I’ve played chess with one of the guys there and just had a chat or read out a newspaper.
“One of them was reading a book on history so she was reading me a bit of stuff on history.
“I just think it’s a really fantastic opportunity for people to get involved with the community.”
Western Health nutrition department manager, Kathryn Pierce, said volunteers had a real impact on patients’ wellbeing.
“Community volunteers participating in patient meal assistance can make a real difference to the patient experience in hospital.
“Our goal is that our patients feel cared for, confident and able to eat and enjoy their meals.”
Anyone interested in volunteering should ring Western Health volunteer program team leader Michael Burns on 8395 9092.
