Hospital Visitor Mrs Pam Lord acknowledged as she takes a break after over 50 years of service
One of the most endearing and recognisable volunteers at the Broken Hill Health Service has today announced she is taking a step back from her role as an official Hospital Visitors for the local RFDS after more than 50 years of service.
Mrs Pam Lord has been volunteering as a BH Women's Auxiliary RFDS Broken Hill Hospital Visitor for over 50 years. All that time, she drove in weekly from her home on Thackaringa Station to visit patients at the hospital. Today she informed the health service she was reducing her time as a visitor to spend more time with her husband. Another person will be taking the lead as the BH Women's Auxiliary RFDS Hospital Visitor.
Far West LHD Chief Executive, Mr Stephen Rodwell, said the health service was extremely grateful for Mrs Lord's contribution and dedication in her role as a hospital visitor.
'Mrs Lord's devotion over a long period of time is simply outstanding and we can't say thank you enough to her for all she has done,' he said yesterday. 'To give so much time to help others and the health service is remarkable. Mrs Lord is a valuable member of our community and is well known and respected by all in the health service. We cannot overstate our appreciation.'
In recognition of her many years of volunteering at the hospital, and on her 50 anniversary in 2015 of being a Hospital Visitor, the health service established the Far West LHD & Pamela Lord Volunteer of the Year Award. The award has been presented each year since then.
'It seemed fitting to create an enduring tribute to Mrs Lord for her contribution to Far West LHD and our community and to acknowledge and recognise what a fantastic example she has provided over that time,' said Mr Rodwell.
'On behalf of the LHD, we sincerely thank her for all she has done in her volunteering role at Broken Hill Health Service. We wish her all the best.'
The health service will organise a suitable event to formally acknowledge Mrs Lord's volunteering achievement.