ABOYNE – Volunteers are gradually returning to help at Groves Memorial Community Hospital (GMCH) in new roles during COVID-19.
In March, more than 250 Groves hospital and New to You volunteers were asked to stay home as part of the response to COVID-19.
“Suspending volunteer services was a difficult decision we had to make,” said Stephen Street, president and CEO of GMCH.
“We rely heavily on our volunteers for their incredible contributions they provide to patients, staff and the retail store on a daily basis.”
Yakov Sluchenkov, chief human resources officer at Groves, said, “Working with the Groves Hospital Volunteer Association (GHVA) we were able to create new volunteer roles and introduce safety measures to facilitate the return of a small group of our volunteers back into the hospital.”
One of these new roles is hand hygiene ambassadors. Volunteers greet patients and visitors at the main entrance door to ensure they sanitize their hands and wear a hospital-issued face mask before proceeding to screening.
“The volunteers themselves are wearing masks and are sitting behind a plastic shield to ensure the safety of all,” Sluchenkov said.
Nancy Peer-Lalani, GHVA manager, said, “GHVA’s New to You retail store (in Fergus) has been open since June 1.
“Like all retail businesses, we had to invest in modifying the store to ensure the safety of our volunteers and customers.
“The community has been very supportive in continuing to provide donations to the store.
“Revenue from New to You goes directly to the hospital and we want to ensure we continue to provide this type of support during the pandemic.”
Volunteers, both at the hospital and New to You, must follow strict infection and prevention control guidelines measures in place at GMCH such as:
- passing screening before each shift;
- wearing a face mask;
- meticulous hand hygiene; and
- maintaining six feet of distance.
“We do have volunteer jobs available, if people are interested,” said Peer-Lalani.
Those interested in volunteering can contact her at npeerlalani@whca.ca or phone 519-843-2010 x 47811.
New to You volunteers, from left: Carol Landoni, Marlene Tosh, Sue Williams, Bonnie Fitzpatrick, Jack Griffiths, Helen Berry, Wilma Vandervelde, Harry Wynen and Don Ferrier. Submitted photo
