Tag Archives: hospital volunteers

Great War Memorial Hospital Auxiliary celebrates over 100 years of service & support

L to R: Nancy Peckett, Past President, Josie Buckland, President, Emily Menzies, Secretary and Cathy Stapleton, Treasurer. Photo credit: Submitted.
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The Great War Memorial Hospital Auxiliary (Auxiliary) proudly held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, May 28, marking another successful year of dedicated volunteer service and support for the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital. The AGM was highlighted by the election of a new executive committee along with reflections on the year’s achievements.

The newly elected executive team for 2025 includes:

  • President: Josie Buckland
  • Secretary: Emily Menzies
  • Treasurer:  Cathy Stapleton
  • Past President: Nancy Peckett

Josie Buckland, Auxiliary President shared the Auxiliary’s accomplishments over the past year noting that the volunteers provided approximately 4800 hours of service each quarter and provided close to $20,000 in medical equipment.  She stated, “I am honoured to continue in this role and build upon the incredible legacy of service and support.  We are excited to continue our fundraising efforts, expand our volunteer base, and support the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital in delivering exceptional care to our community.”

Guest speaker, Michael Cohen, President & CEO, Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital acknowledged the Auxiliary’s unwavering commitment and impact over the past year.  He noted that, “you cannot put a number on the 103 years of service and support provided to the hospital and community.” 

“The Auxiliary’s support is felt in every corner of this hospital from the comfort and support you bring to patients, families, visitors and staff through to the equipment funded,” said Michael Cohen.  “Your efforts have helped us enhance care delivery and improve the patient experience in meaningful ways.”

The Auxiliary continues to play a vital role in enhancing patient experience and strengthening community ties.  New members are always welcome.  For more information on how to get involved, please contact Sarah Simmons at 613-283-2330 ext. 1265 or visit: https://psfdh.on.ca/auxiliaries.

CPDMH Volunteer Program recruitment underway

CPDMH

Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH) is looking forward to welcoming volunteers once again – and two community volunteers have stepped up to lead the way.  As the new Volunteer Coordinators, Gillian Sweet and Debra Davidson say they are excited to work with other community members who want to give back.

“I’ve been living in Carleton Place for nine years now. I really love the community feel in our town. I have an extensive medical background, so I thought the CPDMH would be a great place to start,” notes Gillian.

Debra was a volunteer at CPDMH for 15 years and says she loved helping out: “I want to be a Volunteer Coordinator because it is rewarding, it gives back to the community, the hospital needs volunteers and I believe I can help make that happen. It feels good to help out and the people at the hospital are wonderful and very appreciative.”

Debra Davidson
Debra Davidson. Photo credit: Submitted.
Gillian Sweet
Gillian Sweet. Photo credit: Submitted.

To begin, Gillian and Debra are recruiting volunteers to help at the information desk. It is a crucial part of the hospital where patients and visitors are greeted and guided to where they need to be.

“One morning, we did a count in the emergency department and between 7 and 11 am, the nurses were interrupted more than 100 times by patients looking for information,” explains Debra. “This puts a massive strain on the nurses, doctors and patient care,” adds Gillian. “Each time they are interrupted, it creates longer wait times. The nurses must be able to give their undivided attention to the patients.”

Interested volunteers are asked to commit to a four-hour morning or afternoon shift between 8 am and 4 pm from Monday to Friday. A police screening check is required.

And more good news! The Civitan Club has already committed to staffing the information desk every Thursday. Thank you!

For more details or to apply to be a CPDMH volunteer, please email hospitalvolunteer@cpdmh.ca.

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