Improving care one gift at a time

Redcliffe Hospital Auxiliary volunteers, such as Liz Hancock, have made a tangible difference to patient care since 1971, supporting nurses and raising about $1 million dollars.

Liz has been a volunteer for 36 years, joining in 1988 while still employed to help out at annual fetes.

“I retired in 2002 and became a full volunteer attending the weekly work mornings where we would provide a service to assist the nurses by undertaking tasks, including collating forms for patient files, putting information together for maternity…and lots of other admin tasks,” Liz explains.

“Over the years, I undertook the role of room convenor, treasurer, secretary and in 2009 became president for three years.

“In 2017, I took over as president once again…and have continued in this role since that time. We currently have 30 members, and our $5 membership has remained the same since 1988.”

In 2011, the auxiliary opened a gift shop so they could sell craftwork, knitted toys and baby clothes, and books.

“We are very fortunate to have good rapport with the community who provide us with all these items, and our auxiliary ladies also undertake knitted and crotchet work,” Liz says.

“We have undertaken a role of guest speaker with some community groups and from that networking have acquired a lot of ladies who now undertake craft work for us on a regular basis.”

In June, the Redcliffe Hospital Auxiliary will have raised $1 million dollars in June to support improved patient care.

“All these funds are channelled through to the Hospital Liaison Officer and the money is well spent for the benefit of patients,” Liz says.

“By providing support to the nurses and staff during our work mornings, it makes us feel as if we are giving back to the community.

“We all get a great deal of satisfaction knowing that we are providing a service which we know the staff are very grateful for.

“This also gives the nurses more time to spend with the patients which is our primary concern.

“We are always looking for volunteers and once the new hospital is completed, we will have a much bigger gift shop which will be wonderful.”

For more information about volunteering at the auxiliary, phone (07) 3889 4573.