LifeGiving Newsletter for Volunteers

Magnet storiesWhen in Rome – Vintage Vespa is the way to goWhen planning my trip to Rome, I watched Roman Holiday and was inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s rides on a Vintage Vespa and, despite the 1953 date and lack of cars, her ability to make it look safe, easy and fun. The possibility of being whisked around by an Italian Gregory Peck, of course, added to the appeal.

I booked through Scooteroma.com as I was happy to plan a trip that avoided the tourist spots (fewer people, fewer buses, fewer crazy drivers = more chance of not testing the client experience at il Ospedale di Roma).

I packed my Audrey lookalike scarf, blouse and skirt but, at 11°C, chose woollies. Valerio pulled up, introduced himself, made sure the helmet was on correctly, announced the first stop and said “hold on tight”. The picture is at the entry to Rome along the Appian Way – where all the famous people entered Rome. Valerio politely tried to correct my Ben-Hur and Spartacus versions of history but I assured him that Hollywood doesn’t get details wrong. We drove up the hills of Rome, looked through keyholes that were designed to capture the illusion of ‘perspective’ and had coffee at his local with the locals.

Driving back into Rome on dusk and over the bridge in front of the Vatican, where the statues were uplit, was magical. We weaved through the narrow streets of the old city and through the locals out for their passeggiata. So many people have said: “I wish I was brave enough to do that” or “You did WHAT?” Life’s too short and, anyway, I’m sure il Ospedale di Roma is just fine.

Fran MorrisVolunteer

Did you bring back a magnet for the volunteers’ fridge from your last trip? Want to share your own holiday stories? Send your magnet stories and photos to communications@lh.org.au. Happy travels!

NoticeboardNational Volunteer WeekNational Volunteer Week was opened by our CEO Eileen Hannagan on Monday, 12 May with a lunch and the presentation of certificates of appreciation. Lunchtime celebrations included special guest speakers Chief Clinical Officer, Professor Michael Boyer; Director of Nursing & Clinical Care, Cathy Murray and Director of Radiation Therapy, Jo Page. Volunteers were also treated to cakes and pastries provided by staff from radiation oncology; clinics A, B,C and D; marketing communications and patient experience, including a very yummy gluten free Persian orange and almond cake (check out taste.com.au for the recipe).

Next volunteer meeting

Thursday, 7 August, 10am – 11 am4

LifeGiving Newsletter for Volunteers

In this issue, we meet one of our patient transport drivers… Do you have news, stories or photos to share with the team? Send your contributions to communications@lh.org.au.

Happy reading!

LifeGivingTHE NEWSLET TER FOR VOLUNTEERS AT CHRIS O ’BR IEN L I FEHOUSE

ISSUE 2 | JUNE 2014

LifeGiving Newsletter for Volunteers

Thank you words

“First time here and a little overwhelmed and John the volunteer was just the best. A privilege to be greeted by him.”

“A pleasant wait due to the volunteer…Radiation (a month ago) was without side effects and most enjoyable thanks to the volunteer pickups and very friendly staff.”

Do you want to recognise one of your peer volunteers for their exceptional work? Send your special recognition to: communications@lh.org.au.

“Very comfortable. I am impressed by the volunteer going around greeting and serving with a smiling face. Wonderful volunteer, thanks a lot.”

“Heather is fabulous at the front desk. So are the volunteers Hannah, Eddy, Steph, Felicity, Odetta, Nick, Joey.”

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LifeGiving Newsletter for Volunteers

Volunteer story

What is your volunteer role?I volunteer at Lifehouse two days per week as a patient transport driver and also supporting patients in day therapy, handing out tablet computers.

What made you decide to volunteer at Lifehouse?I wanted to do something that’s positive and to be a part of something positive. After 37 years of full time work in managerial positions for the government, I had the time available and I wanted to put it to good use. I used to volunteer at Gloucester House as a driver one day per week and I found that very rewarding. When everything was transitioning to Lifehouse, I decided to commit to an extra day. Lifehouse seemed very exciting and something I wanted to be a part of – a new beginning, an exciting environment and a process of setting up new ways of doing things. I also wanted to have the experience of working onsite in the hospital, face-

to-face with patients, which is why I decided to give day therapy a go along with patient transport.

What’s the best part about volunteering?The feedback you get from patients is so rewarding. The patients I drive find it very practical to have that transport support - it makes a real difference to them and eases a burden. I really enjoy meeting them and having a chat. We talk about anything – from cooking to politics to families. So often they just want to have a friendly conversation that isn’t about their treatment. I think it’s a bit of a relief for them.

What’s been the most surprising thing about volunteering at Lifehouse?How positive the patients are! Going through all they’re going through, I’m constantly surprised by how cheery they are - it’s very uplifting! Occasionally someone will have a bad day, which is to be expected with what they face daily, but overall the

sentiment of the patients I meet is incredibly positive. They’re so grateful for the care they receive here.

When you’re not driving patients around or handing out tablet computers in day therapy, what do you get up to?I have a busy social life! Now I am retired, I have the time to catch up with friends and neighbours. I really enjoy getting out and doing all sorts of activities. I also spend plenty of time with my family. I’m a mother of two and my 22 year-old son lives at home while he’s studying at uni. He’s actually a Lifehouse volunteer too. I love to travel as well, especially taking family trips overseas which we do as often as possible. So between domestic bits and pieces, travelling, socialising and volunteering at Lifehouse, I definitely keep busy!

Meet Julieann Pearsall…

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