Volunteer Services & Products
Volunteer Services & Products - Peter Mac Cancer Centre
| Christmas Cards Now Available to Purchase |
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| Headwear Service |
| At least 20,000 pieces of headwear have been issued to patients by the Peter Mac Volunteer Service in the past 12 months. In addition we also provide patterns and cut out samples to other groups in the community to enable them to support their local patients. The Headwear Coordinator, volunteers on site, as well as a large number of talented people in the community who sew, and community groups such as Country Women’s Associations contribute on a regular basis to the flow of headwear coming into the department. New designs are tried and tested – often laughter overflowing from the enthusiasm and sometimes funny results which come from a potential new design being brought in. Quality control of the headwear products is most important to us, as the patients self esteem as their appearance alters throughout treatment is of prime concern to us, and we endeavour to assist them. The headwear and wig library is also an important part of the Look Good Feel Better program held on a regular basis at Peter Mac. Peter Mac Volunteer Services won the Inaugural Look Good Feel Better Award for the best hospital providing support to this service. |
| Library Service |
| The Nancie Kinsella Patient Library, which is open seven days a week, provides a range of services to support patients and their carers – puzzle folders, books, magazines, music and talking books. These are delivered to a large number of waiting rooms, ward rounds and patients with special requests are also assisted. Donations of magazines and books are greatly appreciated and once a year there is a large book sale which provides the income to enable the library to be financially independent. A wonderful team of volunteers provide support to the staff member to manage this large and valued service. |
| Convenience Trolley |
| The convenience trolley circulates the hospital Monday to Friday with daily newspapers, sweets, chips and other items. |
| Shopping Service |
| Patients and the apartment residents are also, upon request provided a shopping service by the Volunteer Service. |
| Outreach Service |
| The Outreach Service has started up again, with appreciation being expressed by those patients being supported by this service. This is a special program offered to families in their homes and is an important ancillary program at Peter Mac. The volunteers offer sensitive encouragement and support on an individual basis to patients or relatives; assist those caring for a patient at home so the family can have a much needed break. |
| MacChat |
| “MacChat” is the new name for the Tuesday Recreation Programme and new volunteers are being oriented into this long standing and valued service. It is specifically for the patients staying in the apartments or patients in the wards who feel well enough to attend. A variety of activities are on offer, such as videos, bingo or just sit and have a cuppa and a chat, the volunteers are guided by whatever the patients prefer. |
| Massage Service |
| Massage is provided in the Chemotherapy Day Unit and on the wards by qualified massage/reflexology practitioners and is a partnership project between Volunteer Services and Pastoral Care. In 2008 – 2035 massages were given to patients in the Chemotherapy Day Unit, the wards & satellites. |
| Other Personal Services |
| Other personal services such as hairdressing and manicures are provided by appointment by qualified volunteers both to inpatients and outpatients. |
| Admissions Service |
| Volunteers are also located in the Clinics and Admissions and provide a valuable support role for the patients, their families and carers. Volunteer guides assist patients and visitors to get to the correct clinics and appointments on time. |
| Peter Mac Auxiliaries |
| The Peter Mac Auxiliaries have been warmly welcomed under the wing of the Volunteer Service and we look forward to working with these wonderful women whose contribution is so vital. The level of funds raised by these Auxiliaries is quite incredible and their efforts make a vital difference to the patients who benefit from the equipment which is purchased at the request of various departments. The Peter Mac Auxiliary of 36 active volunteers and 48 members in total raised a staggering $124,665 in 2007 and $136,993 in 2008 – a magnificent achievement. Auxiliary-raised funds are returned entirely to Peter Mac and used for the purchase of medical equipment and patient amenities. During the year the Auxiliary supplied different hospital departments with photographic equipment, a voice recognition system, intravenous poles and various pieces of diagnostic equipment. The Auxiliary gift shop, staffed by volunteers, is located on the ground floor of the East Melbourne campus and raises money through the sale of donated items, including everything from knitted goods to stationery and the latest trends in scarves, hats and other handicrafts. The group holds raffles throughout the year before Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Christmas, by selling tickets near the café. Like all volunteer groups they readily welcome new members. |
| Products |
| The Volunteers Department provides these free services for Peter Mac patients: |
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