Volunteers

In 2007 Mater Volunteers gave more than 56 000 hours, and assisted over 375 000 patients, visitors and staff across the Mater complex.

Throughout the year Mater Volunteers continued to play a vital role in delivering care to patients at the Mater:

• Over 16 500 children were entertained and supported by Patient Buddies, who provide organised and supervised play activities for children and siblings in the Mater Children’s Hospital.
• Another 2020 children received a visit from a friendly dog as part of the Animal Assisted Therapy Program. In 2007 there were a 16 teams (pet and owner) visiting the wards each week, providing a welcome distraction to patients and their families.
• Cuddle Mums provided over 2600 hours of tender care to newborns in the Special Care Nursery and Babies ward.
• Over 5200 adult patients in Mater Public and Private hospitals enjoyed a relaxing hand and foot rub thanks to a dedicated team of Volunteers who offer this service during the day and in some cases, of an evening or weekend.
• There were 2176 patients transported to the Mater for medical appointments or discharge, who might not have been able to access treatment without the Volunteer Patient Transport Service. A sponsorship deal was secured with Summit Fleet Leasing to expand to 3 cars in 2008.