Volunteers play an integral role in supporting care and service at Bluewater Health, and are a vital component of the hospital team. The organization places great value on its volunteers’ time, energy, skill and talents. They fulfill a range of functions from greeting and wayfinding to assisting patients and staff, serving as Patient Experience Partners, on Bluewater Health’s Board of Directors and working with the hospital’s foundations and auxiliaries.

“More than 1,200 Bluewater Health volunteers provide over 50,000 hours of dedicated service here annually,” says Jody McGregor, Manager of Volunteer Resources. “Through their caring smiles, kind words and helpful hands, our volunteers touch lives and lift spirits every day while assisting our staff, physicians, patients, families and visitors.”

In recognition of their outstanding contributions to hospital life, Bluewater Health volunteers were honoured at the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration today. The event coincides with National Volunteer Week, April 6-12, a time to pay special tribute to Canadian volunteers who improve the well-being of others and support essential causes, by taking action and by making a difference.

Five outstanding volunteers, Sharon Feenstra, Mike Kelly, Helga Mursall, Dawn Overy and Gail Steward, also received 2014 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards, held during a celebration at the Imperial Theatre on April 8.

“Our volunteers are valued contributors to the continued success of our organization,” said Sue Denomy, President and CEO. “We are fortunate to have a tremendous amount of community support in Bluewater Health’s delivery on our promise of quality patient care.”

Bluewater Health, with locations in Sarnia and Petrolia, is a 326-bed community hospital that cares for the residents of Sarnia-Lambton. With close to 2,500 staff, Professional Staff and volunteers, Bluewater Health provides an array of specialized acute, complex continuing care, allied health and ambulatory care services. State-of-the-art facilities, which opened in 2010, contribute to Bluewater Health’s Mission: We create exemplary healthcare experiences for patients and families every time. For more information about Bluewater Health, visit www.bluewaterhealth.ca.