Chowan Hospital Volunteers Give Over 8,000 Hours to Community

Nov. 7, 2011 - PRLog -- Doctors and nurses are vital to a hospital.  Support staff is just as valuable.  Men and women, both young and old, donate their time as volunteers to support hospital staff in delivering quality care to patients.  In 2011, volunteers gave 8,673 hours of service to Chowan Hospital, the equivalent of 4.17 full time paid staff members.  Volunteers and clergy were recognized at an annual Volunteer Luncheon at the Chowan Golf and Country Club recently.    

Chowan Hospital Manager of Volunteer Services, Kelly Cross, hosted the reception for those who give so much, for so little in return.  For over 20 years, volunteers have assisted staff members in delivering the hospital’s mission of enhancing the quality of life for the people and communities they serve, touch and support.  

"A simple thank you is not enough,” said Cross.  “These volunteers are truly dedicated to the hospital and our mission.  I hope this luncheon shows them how much they are appreciated by staff, patients and families.”

With a warm smile, volunteers provide directions to visitors and give words of encouragement to patients when they are in the hospital.  They perform a wide array of services, but mostly interact with patients, family members and visitors.  Additionally they assist with various hospital projects.  Four volunteers serve on the Patient Experience and Measurement Team which works to enhance the patients overall experience.  Others serve on the hospital Foundation Board that raises funds to support local healthcare.      

Volunteers work in Outpatient Surgery, Outpatient Clinics, Emergency Room Waiting, provide coverage of information and customer service, assist in the gift shop, cafeteria, skilled nursing, intensive care unit, various offices and visit patient rooms.  Additionally, ordained ministers volunteer their time to serve in the clergy program.    

During the year end celebration, several volunteers received pins for reaching higher levels of volunteer hours, beginning at 200 and advancing to 5,500 hours of service.  Pat Fagan has logged the most hours, reaching 5,500.    

13 clergy members were also recognized for providing service.  Under the direction of Head Chaplain, Thomas Biggs, ordained ministers serve once a month by offering comfort and care to patients and families.  Currently there is a need for more clergy members.  

In addition to Cross, Chowan Hospital President, Jeffrey Sackrison, and Director of Planning and Marketing, Megan Booth Mills, thanked the volunteers for all they do for its patients and visitors.  The President of Volunteers, Annette Wright, who is a past president of the North Carolina Hospital Volunteer Association, gave words of encouragement to volunteers and thanked hospital leadership for its support of the program.  

Entertainment was provided by Caston Young, 14, a local singer, songwriter, and guitar player.  

The Volunteer Services Department of Chowan Hospital provides support services to the staff through the Chaplain’s program, and floor volunteers in all areas of the hospital as well as the hospital gift shop.  If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please call 252.482.6270 or stop by for an application to serve.