St Andrew’s volunteer, Jennifer Hill, was recognised with a 2022 Moderator’s Community Service Medal for her outstanding contribution to our community at the Uniting Church Queensland Synod in Session in May.
Jennifer is a familiar face around St Andrew’s and has volunteered her time to support our patients, visitors and teams twice a week for more than five years.
More recently, she has also been joined in our volunteer team by Frank, her husband of 63 years!
Since joining us five years ago, Jennifer has contributed immeasurably to our hospital by providing support in endoscopy and day infusion, and by helping patients find their way as a patient escort.
Jennifer can be found at any of our craft stalls at Christmas, Easter and Mother’s Day, and was a valued volunteer at The Wesley Hospital Choices Cancer Support Centre for more than 10 years.
“I was very shocked when I found out I had won! I knew I might have been nominated, but never expected it. I feel very honoured to be recognised,” Jennifer said.
“I feel that it’s important to give back and I just love it! St Andrew’s is such a happy place for me. I enjoy meeting and talking to all of the people who pass through the hospital. I’m the lucky one!”
Having survived breast cancer 20 years ago after undergoing surgery at St Andrew’s and treatment at The Wesley Hospital, Jennifer has been instrumental in creating our patient breast care packs.
“I’m not a sewer, but I have the wonderful role of coordinating the breast care packs and our wonderful virtual volunteers who are at home, busy sewing all of the different items we include, especially the breast cushions which are so precious for the patients,” Jennifer said.
St Andrew’s volunteer manager, Simone James, said Jennifer is a natural at going above and beyond.
“Jennifer is wonderful at noticing everything. She will notice if a family member has been waiting for their loved one and she doesn’t hesitate to go and get them a magazine or colouring book,” Simone said.
“She just goes above and beyond and you can see how much it means to our patients and their loved ones.”