RALEIGH, N.C. (April 24, 2006) – In recognition of National Volunteer Week, WakeMed Health & Hospitals acknowledges the tremendous contribution made to the health system by volunteers.
In 2005, the 1,065 individual volunteers at WakeMed contributed a combined 96,263 hours of service, raised $82,000 to support the health system and provided $1,736,585* of in-kind services. These in-kind services translate into 46.3 full-time employees.
“Volunteers are integral to the operations at WakeMed, and we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every volunteer for their assistance and dedication,” commented Susan Hester, director community services. “WakeMed volunteers thoughtfully donate their time, talents and caring and make significant contributions every day, helping hospital staff, patients and visitors.”
Volunteers help with administrative duties like filing, running errands, collating, completing special projects and answering phones. Volunteers interact with patients and visitors by delivering mail and flowers, helping with directions and providing warm personal interactions. They also made dolls for children, quilts for palliative care and booties, clothing and caps for babies.
WakeMed Health & Hospitals Board of Directors and WakeMed Foundation Board of Directors are both comprised of volunteers. These Boards contribute invaluable expertise and many hours of support in strategic planning, leadership development, fundraising and educational awareness.
WakeMed volunteers provided support to more than 100 departments in 2005 and are active at every health system campus from Clayton to Zebulon. WakeMed volunteers span the generations, ranging in age from 14 to 95 years old, from different backgrounds and cultures and offer support at all different levels. Some volunteers serving in the hospitality pets program even have four legs and visit patients with their human companions bringing happiness and cheer to the patient’s bedside.
