‘Anei au, too pou whirinaki - I'm here, I'll support you’
National Volunteer Week is from 18-24 June, and the ideal time to reflect on the amazing, selfless work our volunteers do!
Our volunteers are a melting pot of people from different backgrounds and cultures, each with their own reason for volunteering. Some have spare time to fill due to studies or retirement and some want to get work experience in health care or a large organisation.
They perform a vital role in offering support and care to people who are visiting the hospital, as well as wayfinding to help people find their way around Middlemore Hospital and Manukau Health Park (Manukau Health Park and Surgical Centre).
They practice whakawhanaungatanga (being familiar with others) and provide manaakitanga (kindness and care) – which are some of our organisation’s values.
“These volunteer roles are special – you can be with someone on their happiest or worst of times. Its very personal and it feels like an honour to be there with them at that time,” says Priti, Volunteer Coordinator.
Tanya, one of our volunteers has been around hospitals all her life with a family history of cancer.
“I wanted to give back to the hospital for the care they have given my family. I enjoy people and I wanted to help people,” she explains.
Robyn, another regular volunteer here explains that visitors can often get lost as Middlemore Hospital is a big place.
“We take them where they need to go and often offer them a sympathetic ear, listen to their story or help keep them calm if they are nervous. Its basically giving back to the community and helping people,” she says.
Volunteering is a great way to gain work experience in the health care industry.
“It’s a great way to learn how a hospital works. We offer are a very diverse, supportive and busy environment to learn in. If you have a second language, such as Maaori, Samoan, Tongan or Chinese, we would love to hear from you,” says Priti.
If you are a student, new or returning to the workforce and want work experience, volunteering is a great opportunity to do just that
If you have extra time on your hands or just want to meet new people and expand your social network, a volunteer wayfinder role could be for you.
To apply to be a Counties Manukau Volunteer, please visit our career website www.countieshealthjobs.com , search keyword 'volunteers' and indicate which site you are keen to volunteer at.
If you have any questions, you can call our Volunteer Coordinator on 09 276 0000, Ext: 52591 or 021 734 950 or email geeteshni.naidu@middlemore.co.nz.
Come join our fabulous team!
