Meet the unsung heroes of Montrose Memorial Hospital
Sep 12, 2016 12:18PM ● By Bob Cox
The training for being a volunteer at the hospital is extensive and varied, depending on where one is assigned, but every volunteer is told that they are likely going to be the person people see when they arrive at the hospital and may be the last person a patient or family members sees upon leaving.
This wonderful bunch of people know that they are the stewards of caring and sharing, and they do a great job.
Dale Dvorak, who heads up the volunteer department of Montrose Memorial, said that she has some of the best people in the world helping around the hospital.
“We have volunteers in nearly every department,” she said. “They are in the lobby at the information desk and at the gallery desk and they run the gift shop. Those are the most obvious.”
One of the first things one sees upon entering the lobby of the hospital is the information desk. Among others, Chris Romero and Darlene Brown are often there to help. Among their many duties is that of an internal guide service. When someone asks how to find an office or person in the hospital, they are usually not just told where to go; one of these gals will come out from behind the desk and lead the way. Given the fact that the hospital has gone through numerous remodels, upgrades and transformations over the years, this service has become one of the most important.
Romero, who worked for 25 years for a local candy company, said, “It helps me stay busy and get away from the house. I get to see a lot of people. I love people.”
Her sentiments are universal among the volunteers. They like peo- ple and they know they are helping.
Romero and Brown often oversee the Gallery, where patients, family members and the public have the opportunity to purchase used books. The newly built display shelf, which was paid for by the income from the books, exhibits a wide array of titles, many of recent release. It’s not un- usual, according to Brown for some- one to buy a book, read it and donate it back.
“We have people ask us for specific authors and sometimes we tell them when a book they are looking for comes in,” she said. “And it helps the hospital.”
Mary Edwards sits quietly at her desk in the surgery reception and waiting room department, where she directs family members and keeps them informed.
“I needed something to do and this is it,” she said, adding that she feels good about what she does and what the volunteer program means to the hospital.
Sharon Moslet does her duties in the gift shop. She said that a big part of their customer base is the hospital employees.
“They are busy and sometimes don’t have the time to go shopping,” she said.
The gift shop provides a plethora of unique items, from flowers in happy face mugs to small jewelry items and insulated coffee cups, all displayed in a professional and pleasing environ- ment overseen by people who care.
Dvorak is quick to point out that each of the volunteers in each de- partment is headed up by a chairper- son that ensures that the volunteers are properly trained in their duties. She said everyone gets training in the areas of privacy and safety but the heads of each department see to it that those working in the department each receive specific training for their areas.
So far this year more than $15,000 has been collected through the volunteer program. The money has benefited the cardiac care depart- ment and has helped purchase a bariatric unit for the physical therapy department. Money has gone toward the expenses involved in having the Care Channel available throughout the hospital and plans are being finalized for some equipment for the cancer center. New china was pur- chased for the Lobby Grille, and most importantly, according to Dvorak, the volunteers have made a difference in many lives.
To Volunteer at Montrose Memorial Hospital, call 240-7341.
