The Common Good doesn’t just back life-saving medical research. We also back hospital innovation projects at both The Prince Charles Hospital and Caboolture Hospital to advance patient care, comfort, and recovery.
One of those invaluable initiatives is our volunteering programs that assist patients, their families, other hospital visitors and staff.
The Common Good at the Caboolture Hospital
While The Common Good is an initiative of The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, we have been proudly associated with the Caboolture Hospital for the past two years.
Having recently been invited to work alongside the hospital on the volunteer program following the departure of St John’s, we are delighted to be part of a program that will meet the needs of an expanding hospital and services that better support the growing population of the Moreton Bay Region.
These are exciting times, and we look forward to potential volunteers sharing this journey with us.
The service of volunteers in the hospital cannot be underestimated. Not only do they support patients and families at the most difficult of times, but their assistance to staff is immeasurable and greatly appreciated, particularly over the past 2 years during the covid pandemic.
Jan Celebrates 20-year Volunteering Milestone
Jan had her first shift as a volunteer at the Caboolture Hospital on October 2, 2002.
And while two decades have passed, Jan still enjoys helping others during every shift. She spends her days carrying out a range of tasks including welcoming patients and their families to the hospital, offering directions and escorting people to their desired location.
“I think hospitals are a bit frightening for people, so if you have a smiling face when you walk in it’s a lot easier,” said Jan
Jan says volunteering makes her feel more involved in the local community.
“Life feels better because you’re doing something that you want to do but that you don’t have to do, and I’m sure it makes a difference to people,” she said.
As Jan celebrates 20 years as a Caboolture Hospital volunteer, she is reflecting on the difference the opportunity has made to her life too.
“When I finished working in Brisbane, I decided I wanted to be involved in the Caboolture community where I lived. I kept looking in the newspapers because I knew something would pop up and one day there was an advertisement for a volunteer at the Caboolture Hospital and I decided ….. that’s me! The little notice sat on my fridge for several months then one day I decided I’m ready, so I rang the number and here I am 20 years later!”
Jan says she would recommend volunteering at the hospital to others, because along with the positive impact it can have on people’s lives, she has made many new friends along the way.
“My feeling is that it’s been a win for both the hospital and for me because I’m out in the community and enjoying what I’m doing. I enjoy the people I work with, the visitors, the staff.”
She’s also gathered a few stories to share around the dinner table.
“Once a man came in who said he thought he needed to go to Emergency as he’d been bitten by a snake and then produced the snake and put it on the counter in front of me!”
“Another time a man came in with his hand wrapped up and said he thought he needed to go to Emergency. When he unwrapped his hand and he had a timber board nailed into his hand.”
Volunteering for The Common Good at Caboolture Hospital
Would you like to support The Common Good and the Caboolture Hospital by donating your time?
We are looking for new ways to expand our program so we can provide even more support, and your help would be greatly appreciated!
Click here to view our volunteering opportunities.
