Supportive and Palliative Care volunteers – there when people need them most
Volunteers across Western Sydney Local Health District who dedicate their time to Supportive and Palliative Care have been recognised at the state awards.
It takes a special person to volunteer. At Western Sydney Local Health District, we’re fortunate to have nearly 500 volunteers supporting patients, visitors and staff across Westmead, Blacktown, Auburn, Mount Druitt and Cumberland Hospitals. Around 30 volunteers dedicate their time to the Supportive and Palliative Care teams, helping patients and their families at a challenging and vulnerable time.
Karen Loomes is the District’s Palliative Care Volunteer Services Coordinator. She says the Supportive and Palliative Care volunteers have seamlessly integrated as part of the team providing care to patients.
“Our volunteers are an important part of the wider clinical team, supporting our patients in meaningful and practical ways. Whether it’s a friendly chat, a walk in the garden, or simply being present, they are there to support patients and families when they need it most.”
Recently, the Western Sydney Supportive and Palliative Care team was a finalist in the NSW Palliative Care awards.
Volunteers Caroline, Elizabeth and Mark attended the award ceremony alongside District staff. They each bring something unique to the team but are united in their passion to care for others.
Caroline
Caroline has been a consumer representative for the District for more than 10 years and for much of that, a Supportive and Palliative Care volunteer at Auburn and Westmead Hospitals.
“It’s a privilege to be a supportive and Palliative care volunteer during a patient’s most vulnerable time. Whether it’s a hand massage, a chat or a visit from the 'Jolly Trolley,' it makes a difference to not only the patient but their families and loved ones too," she said.
Caroline is a long-term advocate for palliative care in Western Sydney, and NSW playing a significant role in campaigning and advocating for a dedicated unit at Westmead Hospital which is soon to be opened.
The new purpose-built 15-bed inpatient Supportive and Palliative Care Unit at Westmead Hospital, expected to be completed construction in early 2027.
“I’m very excited that the largest health precinct in NSW will finally have a dedicated palliative care unit” she said.
Liz
Liz is a casual academic who teaches undergraduate nurses. She was also employed at the District for 35 years in various roles, before volunteering for the last seven years.
She says it’s the variety of volunteering within the Supportive and Palliative Care ward at Auburn Hospital that is enjoyable.
“Each week is different. Sometimes it’s about sitting down and having a chat, other times it’s about tidying the family room, washing dishes or watering the plants,” she said.
“Although it can at times be a sad and challenging place, it is often a happy and joyous one too, filled with amazing people.”
Reflecting on being a finalist in the awards, Elizabeth says it’s acknowledgement for the entire team.
“It’s a great recognition for every single volunteer we have, each who give so much of themselves to Supportive and Palliative Care.”
Her advice to people considering volunteering is to give it a go.
“You’re well supported, training is provided and you may be surprised how much you enjoy it.”
Mark
Mark has been a Supportive and Palliative Care volunteer at Mount Druitt Hospital for the last two years. A former palliative care nurse, he says it’s the people he met back then that inspired him.
“When I was a palliative care nurse, I was inspired by some great volunteers back then. They motivated me to be a volunteer myself,” he said.
Mark says it was this background in nursing that made him feel comfortable in the hospital right from the beginning.
“Because of my background, I felt comfortable straight away and would be able to jump in and help, whether that was making a bed or helping a patient to shave.”
Recently, Mark has helped patients with biographies, or life stories, which he says is privileged work.
“It’s an honour to get to know people and to experience their honesty and perspectives. We record conversations and then transcribe for them to read and edit before printing out bound copies for their families to cherish.”
He’s helped patients to draft words in other ways too.
“I’ve helped people to write letters and make recordings for loved ones, as well as helping to create memories for children of patients. Together with others, we have helped to arrange weddings, birthday parties and other events at the hospital.”
This National Volunteers Week (18 to 24 May), the District’s Manager, Volunteer Services, Supportive and Palliative Care Services Athena Patel shared a message for our amazing volunteers.
“Thank you to our Supportive and Palliative Care volunteers. Your kindness, care and presence makes a real difference in the lives of patients and families every day.”