Australian Red Cross is excited to be expanding its Assistance and Care in the Emergency Department program into the Bendigo Health Care Group.  The program is aimed at meeting the personal and practical support needs of patients and their attending family members or friends in the Emergency Department.

Volunteers are sought to participate in the program to assist people through the process of registering at the hospital, to offer companionship, provide a comforting cup of tea, assist making phone calls or care for other family members while a patient is receiving medical attention.  Generally, volunteers lend a helping hand whilst people are attending the emergency ward, which at times can be an extended stay.

Volunteers for the program need to have some basic skills and attributes such as a confident, common-sense and calm approach, the ability to listen without judgment, the ability to communicate with a wide range of people, the ability to work within a challenging ever-changing environment, the ability to take direction from medical staff and be able to maintain client confidentiality.  Volunteers need to be available for a three-hour shift once a week/fortnight between the hours of 3pm - 9pm.  All volunteers must undergo a police check and will be provided with relevant training. 

Volunteers in this program work to compliment the high levels of care provided by hospital staff in what can often be a hectic and fast paced environment.  

Group Manager, Membership and Organisation Development Fran Brewster says the reward for both volunteers and affected families is great.

'I had a mother, of two young boys, ring me to thank Red Cross for the assistance she received when she attended the Northern Hospital where this program has been running for the last 5 years.  Her youngest son had slipped on the stairs and split his head open.  The Red Cross volunteer comforted her older boy and bought toys for him to play with while the other boy received treatment.  She was wrapt to know that her son was in safe hands while she was comforting her youngest son as he received treatment' says Ms Brewster

Andrew Hilton, Executive Director, Australian Red Cross says 'Red Cross is excited to be bringing this Assistance and Care in the Emergency Department to the Bendigo Health Care Group because it is another way the we can help the people of Bendigo in their time of need.'

-ENDS-

Susie Chippendale 
Marketing and Communications Manager
Australian Red Cross, Victoria
Telephone +61 3 8327 7739
Mobile +61 3 (0) 418 335 296
Email: schippendale@vic.redcross.org.au

Danielle Ramsey
Marketing and Communications Consultant
Australian Red Cross, Victoria
Telephone +61 8327 7736
Mobile + 61 3 (0) 407 514 192
Email: dramsey@vic.redcross.org.au