A bout of breast cancer inspired Jennifer Hill to volunteer at St Andrew’s, and now she does everything from providing endoscopy patients with hot blankets to liaising with our virtual volunteers and raising funds with the Auxiliary.
No stranger to volunteering, with stints at the Uniting Church and other hospitals in Brisbane, Jennifer started with St Andrew’s in 2017. She saw it as a way to give back to the staff and community after she received outstanding care here during treatment for breast cancer.
Jennifer volunteers two days a week at the hospital, helping the endoscopy patients in the recovery area. She makes coffee, provides them with hot blankets, and helps to disinfect surfaces.
In addition, Jennifer is the liaison between the hospital and the Virtual Volunteer Team, who create beautiful craft projects for the patients. This team makes a real difference in the patient experience, with projects and resources including breast care packs; colouring-in packs for children; and Cardiac Hearts, which help cushion a patient’s chest stitches post-surgery.
Their new ‘Care Packs’ project delivers beautiful, drawstring bags handmade by volunteers and filled with essential items to help patients feel fresh and clean during their stay. The packs are available on all wards but are created especially for patients who have an unexpected admission and/or end up staying longer after a procedure. The volunteers have been able to purchase the toiletries thanks to funds raised through volunteer craft stalls, another area where Jennifer lends a hand.
In 2023, Jennifer, along with our Virtual Volunteer Team, assisted in raising $22,000 through the St Andrew’s Auxiliary at its seasonal stalls. These funds go towards patient resources and improving patient lounges.
Her impact is truly appreciated.
“She loves to help, she could take on any volunteer role easily,” Volunteer Manager Simone James said. “Jennifer is an outstanding volunteer. She goes a step beyond when caring for others. She is a natural leader, organised and resourceful.”
In 2022, Jennifer received a Queensland Moderator’s Community Service Medal, which is presented to individuals who have contributed in an outstanding way to the Uniting Church’s mission in community services.
She has even recruited her husband to volunteer at St Andrew’s. They enjoy their roles, and are always thinking of new ways to help.
“I recommend volunteering to everyone,” Jennifer said. “It is rewarding and satisfying. You can feel people are grateful when you accompany them through their journey at the hospital. I want to volunteer for many years to come. Socialising, exercise and using your memory are important in boosting wellbeing, and by volunteering at St Andrew’s I get to do all three! I’m privileged to have this opportunity.”
If you would like to volunteer and change lives, yours included, sign up to volunteer here. St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital is proudly part of UnitingCare – you can read more amazing volunteer stories in UnitingCare’s 2024 Volunteer Impact Report.