Wayne Memorial Hospital honors its outstanding volunteers of 2013
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on April 22, 2014 1:46 PM
Outstanding volunteers at Wayne Memorial Hospital were recognized during ceremonies Wednesday at Lane Tree Golf Club.
The annual luncheon to honor volunteers for service hours centered around the theme, "Volunteers Make a World of Difference," said Donna Archer, director of volunteer services at the hospital.
"We don't have as many volunteers as we once did," she said. "But every single hour is done with quality."
She praised those in the audience for giving not only their time but donating their skills and leadership and being an inspiration to others.
The year 2013 produced a few changes in the way volunteer services did business, Mrs. Archer said.
"In mid-October, we started a program, the Living History," she said, an idea prompted by a nurse's suggestion, which involved patients being interviewed on their personal background.
It takes about 20 minutes, she said, but produced a report presented to the patient and family, and is also attached to the medical record. She said to date, 16 of the reports have been generated.
"It's made a strong difference," Mrs. Archer said, including making a stronger connection between doctor and patient. "We're very proud of that program and we want to see it grow."
Another change was to expand beyond the area where volunteers have traditionally served, which has predominantly been in the day surgery waiting room.
"We had a retired nurse, Peg Cary, that came to us and wanted to volunteer in clinical services," Mrs. Archer said. "We moved Miss Peg to the second floor and the second floor (nurses have) told us they just don't know how they got along without her."
Then about a year ago, she said, another volunteer expressed an interest in serving in the area of infusion therapy, also known as chemotherapy, Mrs. Archer said.
"The change she has made has just been extraordinary," she said.
The woman, Gladys Craig, has only been volunteering since March 2013 but since then, has donated 582 hours of service.
"That's substantial for one year," Mrs. Archer said. "She started one day a week and has increased over time just because she sees how busy we are."
On Wednesday, she was named recipient of the Special Recognition Award, presented to a new volunteer who has made an especially notable contribution of time and service.
The Rosa Christian Koch Award, for the volunteer who exemplifies outstanding customer service skills, was presented to Carolyn Sutton, a volunteer since the fall of 2010.
She has amassed 752 hours of service in several areas, including the ICU waiting room and day surgery. When a job opening came up in the gift shop, she applied for it and was also hired in that role.
"She's an example of customer service, initiative and flexibility," Mrs. Archer said.
Volunteer of the Year, awarded to a volunteer who has given significant hours of service in an outstanding manner, was Olga Davis. A volunteer since February 2005, she has become a staple in the day surgery waiting room, accumulating 1,996 hours of service.
"Miss Olga is one of those people who does not seek attention," Mrs. Archer said. "She quietly but competently goes about serving her fellow man."
Others recognized during the event were those who donated more than 375 hours during the calendar year 2013. They included Barbara and Gene Fredericks, with 394 hours; Helen Jackson, 399; Sandra Ingram, 415; Gladys Craig, 441; Vivian Dail, 478; and Alice Farmer, 619.