Volunteers
Volunteers are an integral part of Mater Health Services, enabling our seven hospitals to maintain a wide range of services and support for staff, patients and relatives. Mater Volunteer Services embodies the mission established by the Sisters of Mercy when they opened the first Mater hospital in Brisbane in 1906. Our volunteers aim to fulfil the physical and emotional needs of every individual placed in our care and at all times uphold the core values of dignity, quality, mercy, care and commitment.
As Queensland's largest hospital volunteer services program we proudly conduct our services with the professionalism and integrity people have come to expect of Mater hospitals.
We love what we do.
Mater Volunteers Services - 20 year anniversary
This year, 2012, marks the 20th anniversary of Mater Volunteer Services!
While official volunteer services began at Mater in 1992, volunteers have been providing assistance across our hospitals for decades.
From humble beginnings as ‘Helping Hands’ in 1992, Mater Volunteer Services has grown to a team of more than 600 volunteers working in 50 different roles across more than 100 departments throughout our hospitals. Just 15 people attended the first official orientation in March 1992, with the inaugural recognition ceremony held in October later that year.
The achievements and valued contributions made by Mater Volunteer Services over the past 20 years will be celebrated with a number of events throughout the year including anniversary displays and information throughout the year, as well as particular celebrations in National Volunteer Week from 14 to 18 May.
National Volunteer week is a great time to give back to and thank those who help us in more ways than one–thank a volunteer today!
Mater Volunteers Support Services
Mater volunteers work across Mater complex, providing services to Mater Mothers' hospitals, Mater Children's hospitals, Mater Adult Hospital and Mater Private Hospitals, Brisbane and Redland.
The roles of volunteers vary according to each hospital's needs. Some volunteer roles are so popular there's a waiting list while others require special training and skills.
Patient Support Services
- visits—visiting patients daily to offer companionship and practical assistance
- patient transport—driving patients to and from hospital for appointments, admissions and discharges. Bookings are made by hospital staff
- hands and feet massage—a welcome comfort that makes patients feel relaxed and pampered
- respite centre—helping elderly clients with art and craft, complementary therapies, and companionship
- tea and coffee—offering a "comforting cup of tea" to patients waiting for appointments
- books—taking books and magazines around the wards like a free mobile library
- patient buddy—children's activities such as reading, playing games, art and craft, or providing companionship
- cuddle Mums and Dads—helping out in the Special Care Nursery and Babies Ward
- animal assisted therapy—visits by specially trained volunteers and their dogs
- children's emergency—playing with waiting children and helping their parents
- admissions—helping patients with their admission and escorting them to their ward or clinic
- children's theatre—supporting parents, children and staff before and after surgery
Hospital Support Services
- flowers—delivering patients' flowers, putting bouquets in vases, and changing the water
- clerical assistance—helping staff with photocopying, collating charts and filing
- volunteer centre—helping to keep the volunteer services department operating efficiently with clerical tasks and leadership roles
- ambassadors and help desk—welcoming patients and visitors and escorting them to their appointment or visit.
Benefits of volunteering at Mater
By Volunteering at the Mater You Can
- meet new people
- learn new skills
- build your confidence
- be an active member of the community
- help and support people.
As a Mater Volunteer You Receive
- free parking
- free uniforms
- daily morning tea and lunch to meet other volunteers
- awards and certificates in recognition of service
- monthly meetings to share news and information
- free specialised service training
- professional and personal support from our dedicated team of coordinators.
Becoming a Mater Volunteer
If you would like to help Mater Health Services continue providing high quality, friendly and supportive care to Queensland families, then please call Mater Volunteer Services on 07 3163 8599. Please note the following points before you call:
- Provide your name and contact details. We'll invite you to an information session, where you can complete an application form and arrange an interview.
- During the interview we will discuss current volunteer vacancies, your ideal role/s and which hospital you would like to work in.
- You will be officially welcomed during a compulsory orientation program by hospital staff and other volunteers. Orientation covers Mater's philosophy of care, hospital policies and emergency procedures.
For further information please call Mater Volunteer Services on 07 3163 8599 Or send an e-mail to Volunteers@mater.org.au.
Location
Mater Volunteer services
LG floor, Whitty Building
Mater Adult Hospital
Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane Qld 4101
Phone: 07 3163 8599
Fax: 07 3163 1512