We rely on our volunteers
A small army of 1,100 volunteers help run our seven hospital sites. Coming from all walks of life and ranging from teenagers to octogenarians, our volunteers are at the patient’s bedside, they are members of auxiliaries to fundraise and support patient care, they serve with foundations to raise awareness and community donations. They also serve on standing committees and the Board of Trustees to steer our course.
About 300 of our volunteers participated in a recent survey. We asked what motivates them to volunteer, whether they are satisfied with the amount of time they volunteer, and whether communication is effective.
Why do people volunteer? We asked that question and 91% told us they are motivated to volunteer in a hospital setting because it’s an opportunity to interact with and help people.
That sense of working to better our community is very strong. Almost 90% said they volunteer to give back to the community and almost 3/4 said this is their strongest reason for volunteering.
Here’s just one of the many comments that reflects the commitment: “I volunteer because I really feel that I am needed, and that I want to do my part for the wellbeing of my community. I can afford to give my time, so I do and have for almost 20 years.”
A sincere thank you goes out to all our volunteers. Quite simply, we couldn’t do what we do without you. «
Volunteers Anita Minov, left, and Olga Stybell are a vital communication link for outpatients at Greater Niagara General Site.
Build strong and successful relationships
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Community outreach – We have been working with a community advisory group since 2004 to gain input and direction for the future use of the Queenston Street land occupied by St. Catharines General Site, which will close when the new health complex opens in 2013. Local residents, businesses and property owners have worked closely with Niagara Health to determine appropriate uses for the property, which contains four parcels of land totalling 12 acres. The land was recently rezoned for medium-density residential development and is now officially on the market.
- Increasing organ, tissue donations – Niagara Health continues to be a leader in Ontario in organ and tissue donations. The NHS recovered eyes from 71 patients last year – a total of 142 eyes. Seven people’s lives were saved by two multiple organ donors, resulting in the recovery and transplant of seven organs (one heart, two livers, four kidneys). There were two multiple tissue donations (skin, bone, heart valves), enhancing the lives of 150 people. More than 1,500 people are on the transplant waiting list in Ontario – 53 from Niagara. Register your consent at www.giftoflife.on.ca.
- McMaster Medical School – The Niagara Regional Campus of the McMaster University Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine is now operating at full capacity with about 100 students – 63 in the three-year doctor of medicine program, 11 in the two-year post-graduate (residency) family medicine program, and a steady stream of clinical placements of students from Hamilton and other medical schools. More than 150 local doctors have swelled the academic ranks to ensure a top-notch educational experience. The first class has just graduated and work is underway to welcome the next intake of 28 first-year students. We anticipate that the adage “where doctors train they remain” will hold true for Niagara.
- Nursing censure lifted – After years of work to improve the relationship between Niagara Health and the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA), the ONA censure was lifted in late 2010. A key factor which contributed to the ONA board’s removal of the censure is Niagara Health’s improved labour relations climate. In recent years, significant efforts have been made by the hospital and ONA to address outstanding labour grievances and dramatically reduce the number of grievances.
