Hospital recognizes volunteers
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on April 26, 2007 1:54 PM
Volunteers at Wayne Memorial Hospital do more than lighten the workload for others. They serve as ambassadors and make a difference in customer service, officials said recently during the annual volunteers' recognition luncheon.
Awards were presented to those with outstanding records by Donna Archer, director of volunteer services.
Susan Parris was named Volunteer of the Year. She received an engraved clock, lapel pin and will have her name added to a plaque at the hospital.
"Miss Susie" as she's called, has volunteered at the hospital for 13 years, with 1,653 hours of service in such areas as the ICU waiting room and the patient visitation area.
"She's very dedicated and committed to her roles," Ms. Archer said. "She treats everyone she meets with respect."
The Rosa Christian Koch Award, presented to the volunteer who exemplifies service excellence, went to Reba Wiliams, who started in 2004 and has worked more than 553 hours in the endoscopy waiting room.
Reading from one nomination form, Ms. Archer said, "One word describes this woman -- wonderful."
Special recognition awards were presented to two new volunteers who made notable contributions of time and effort. Wiley Wilson, who began in 2006, serves in the admitting department. Trinity Whitfield is a volunteer in the newborn nursery.
Two others were honored for having logged more than 20 years of service, Jill Booker and Edna Watson.
Local attorney Geoff Hulse, this year's United Way chairman, was the featured speaker at the luncheon. Recalling his late father Herbert Hulse, also a lawyer, he said the importance of giving back to the community was instilled at a young age.
"My dad taught me that we're all in this together," he said. "He was involved in a number of things. I have tried to carry on that tradition."
Hulse said oftentimes people might say they don't have time to volunteer, but time can and should be found.
"It will make you feel better," he said.
Recalling the movie "It's a Wonderful Life," Hulse said it was fitting to recognize volunteers, "and to step back and say, 'I have had a wonderful life. I have to give to those less fortunate.'"
Tom Bradshaw, vice president of operations at the hospital, said the quality of volunteers at Wayne Memorial make a difference in lives every single day.
"A smiling face, a caring person, that can certainly help you through the maze. ... You really don't appreciate it until you're there," he said. "You're a part of the (hospital) family. You're our ambassador and represent us all.
"We're very pleased that you do such a wonderful job."