Hospital Volunteers Honored for Their Service to Patients May 15, 2019 When it comes to the people behind the quality care of patients, volunteers are often the unsung heroes. Throughout the year at Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital, 55 volunteers sit with patients and offer companionship, create pillows used by post-surgical patients, sit with dying patients so that no one dies alone, do clerical work, help patients and visitors find their way through the hospital, run the hospital gift shop and much more. An additional group of 33 volunteers serves patients in the Evergreen Hospice program, providing support and companionship to dying patients in Lincoln County and a portion of Tillamook County. They are present with families as their loved ones pass, providing respite, medication courier services and other office support. All SPCH volunteers were honored at an annual luncheon on Thursday, May 9, as hospital leaders took time to thank them for their service to patients. “We appreciate each of you so very much for all the ways you give and give,” said Chief Executive Officer Lesley Ogden, MD. “You take the care we give to patients and make it so much better.” Last year, hospital volunteers donated 8,708 hours of service. In addition to the donation of time, members of the SPCH Auxiliary also help to raise money used to support hospital departments with special need requests, provide financial support to send staff to conferences and offer scholarships for area nursing students. Last year, the group raised $22,000 for these activities. Perhaps, the biggest role volunteers played in this past year have been their efforts to help patients and visitors find their way around the hospital campus and building during construction changes and parking shortages. “You have elegantly and gracefully helped get us through the many transitions this past year,” Ogden added. “You’ve provided direction to help people find their destinations, and you’ve helped rescue people who’ve been lost. I don’t think we could have done that without you. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all that you do,” Ogden said. During the luncheon, volunteers were recognized with shirts, service pins and door prizes. For more information about volunteering, contact Melissa Maxon, volunteer services coordinator, at 541-574-2537 or [email protected]. Applications to volunteer can also be picked up at the hospital Gift Shop or Guest Assistance Desk.
