Dedicated volunteers from Portland District Health have been honoured in the inaugural 2009 Minister for Health Volunteer Awards.
In a special awards ceremony, Health Minister Daniel Andrews paid tribute to Telecare Volunteers from Portland for making a selfless contribution to public healthcare.
“These awards are a first for this state, and they recognise the vital role of volunteers and the impact they have on the quality of care to patients, clients and their families and the community,” he said.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said the Telecare Volunteers made a remarkable difference to the health and well-being of many patients in Portland.
“I congratulate all Telecare volunteers for showing us the difference a group of dedicated individuals can make.”
“Between 9am and 10am each weekday, volunteers in the Telecare program give friendly ‘good morning’ calls to Telecare participants in their homes, providing reassurance and social support,” Ms Tierney said.
The inaugural awards received 70 nominations from hospitals, ambulance services, and community health and aged care services. Categories included outstanding achievement by an individual volunteer and outstanding achievement by a team.
Nine awards were presented to individual and team winners, and highly commended or special commendation awards to another 17 finalists.
Mr Andrews said “the calibre of finalists and nominees shows that there is no shortage of dedicated, enthusiastic and caring volunteers in every part of our health system,”
“Volunteers have a profound impact on the way our health services operate and on the lives of clients and patients.
“Across the healthcare system, volunteers are supporting health services, patients and their families from every angle but with a common aim to make the lives of Victorians better.”