Wayne Memorial gives recognition to volunteers for work at hospital
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on April 10, 2016 1:45 AM
The volunteer program is a big part of what makes Wayne Memorial Hospital great, Bob Enders, interim president, told the gathering at the annual volunteer recognition event Wednesday.
Unlike other jobs in the health care profession, the volunteers bring that "little something extra," he said.
And while the hospital's recent affiliation with UNC Hospitals will mean many additions in the future, there is one thing that can't be easily replicated.
"So many things will be brought in," he said, "but the one thing they cannot bring in is a busload of volunteers."
Volunteers contributed 14,081 hours during 2015, said Donna Archer, volunteer director at the hospital.
The statistic is even more impressive, she pointed out, considering that while the number of volunteers decreased, the total number of hours rose by 300.
"It really is very impressive if you look at the hours of service and also the years of service," she said. "This group just does so much for our patients at Wayne Memorial Hospital and our citizens."
Since 25 percent of the volunteers were born in the 1940s, that era became the theme of this year's luncheon.
Entertainment was provided by "Letters From Home," launched in Winston-Salem and touted as one of the fastest growing musical groups in the U.S.
Erinn Diaz and Amanda Newman sang and tap-danced their way into the hearts of the audience, taking them on a sentimental journey through a program of songs made popular by such acts as Glenn Miller, the Andrews Sisters and Les Brown and His Band of Renown. The duo paid tribute to the military and involved members of the audience in portions of their routine.
The Rosa Christian Koch award, given each year to a volunteer who exemplifies the spirit of good will, courtesy and compassion, was presented to Robert Bacon.
He began volunteering in 1995 in the pharmacy and served in other areas before being assigned to patient services.
"Within 10 days, I was overwhelmed with phone calls -- 'Oh my gosh, he is wonderful. Thank you for sending Bob to us,'" Mrs. Archer said.
He has amassed 3,037 hours of service, she said, receiving high marks on all his evaluations.
"The first word that comes to mind is conscientious," she said. "Always on time, enjoys his work and delights in friendship with co-workers. He has a keen eye for detail and a strong work ethic."
This year's volunteer of the year was Judy Moye, who began volunteering in 2001 in the day surgery waiting room.
"If you've ever been in the day surgery waiting room, you know that stress levels are high, a loved one is in surgery," she said. "When it's someone you love, minor surgery is not very minor.
"Miss Judy assists in checking in family, making coffee, comforting visitors and escorting them to the bedside after surgery is complete."
In reviewing Mrs. Moye's file, which now totals 3,394 hours of service, there were too many accolades to mention, Mrs. Archer said. A good mix, though, were from staff as well as family members.
"That says to me that she's really making an impression on our families," she said, calling Mrs. Moye a "rare combination of talent and heart."
Eight people volunteered more than 400 hours this past year. These included Linda Strickland, Jimmy Howell, Gene Frederick, Barbara Frederick, Vivian Dail, Ann Rich, Jean Bacon and Alice Farmer.
This year additional recognition was given for longevity, Mrs. Archer said.
"We have four volunteers who have reached or even bypassed a quarter-century mark of volunteering at WMH," she said. "From now on each person as they reach 25 years of service, they will get an engraved clock. We think it makes sense because you're giving us your time."
Recipients included Emma Fennell, 25 years, Chris Amon, 26, Jill Booker, 29, and Edna Watson, 34.
Mrs. Archer singled out Ms. Watson, asking her age.
"I'll be 94 in December," Ms. Watson said.
Calling her a role model, she said Ms. Watson also takes classes at Wayne Community College and at the YMCA.
"And I'm looking forward to Senior Games next month," Ms. Watson said with a smile.