For the past five years, Mater Private Hospital Springfield volunteer Christine Gillespie has provided hundreds of patients recovering from surgery and other medical conditions with companionship and support.
The 71-year-old Sinnamon Park resident volunteers at Mater Private Hospital Springfield weekly as a ward assistant, visiting patients who have been hospitalised.
Ms Gillespie, who is retired, said she enjoys having a chat with patients, often making cups of tea and coffee for those who need a “pick me up”.
“Sometimes people come in after a bad fall and have had an unexpected stay, so I just try and make their time in hospital more comfortable,” said Ms Gillespie, who has clocked up almost 500 hours volunteering.
“Even if their flower vases need topping up with water, I help with that.
“I find some older patients don’t get visitors, or don’t have family and that’s when I do my best to have a chat and make their hospital stay more pleasant.”
Ms Gillespie said providing care to patients, many from the Ipswich region, was fulfilling.
“I lived in Ipswich for many years, and to help locals have a pleasant stay in hospital is satisfying,” she said.
