NEWS RELEASE
GEORGIAN BAY GENERAL HOSPITAL
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During National Volunteer Week (April 14 to 20, 2024), Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) demonstrated its appreciation for the 100 volunteers who selflessly give their time to help the hospital and its patients.
Concluding the week’s events was an appreciation lunch during which Volunteer Value Awards were given out to recognize the hospital’s volunteers who make remarkable contributions to the community through their dedication to the hospital.
“GBGH has an incredible volunteer force of more than 100 and I couldn’t be more appreciative of every single one of them,” says Rachel Jennings, volunteer and student co-ordinator, GBGH. “Simply put, GBGH would not be the same without the dedication and compassion of its volunteers. We know from the earlier days of the pandemic what it’s like to not have the volunteers with us at the hospital. More than ever we have a greater understanding and appreciation for the positive impact they bring to GBGH, our patients and our community, and they should be celebrated for it.”
Paulette Antaya, a GBGH volunteer for 17 years, was presented with the Volunteer Value Award for Inspire Dedication. During her time at the hospital, Antaya has been an exemplary leader at the main entrance information desk, where she offers invaluable support to patients and visitors. She actively promotes volunteering with the hospital, having represented the hospital at volunteer recruitment events within the community.
For nearly a decade, John Sweeney has been an essential member of the GBGH team, earning him the Volunteer Value Award for Patients First. Sweeney’s dedication to the hospital has always been evident, but never more important than during the pandemic, when he has provided vital assistance restocking personal protective equipment and portering patients. His contributions directly prioritize patients as he assumes responsibility for duties that enable our staff to concentrate on the quality of care they provide.
GBGH’s volunteer-based gift shop would not be the same without the leadership of Agnes Hemming, which is why she’s been honoured with the Volunteer Value Award for Empower Others. With nearly 25 years of service as a GBGH volunteer in the shop, Hemming gladly shares her wealth of knowledge and always demonstrates a positive demeanour with her fellow team members. She is also generous with her time, always being available to offer wise advice and words of encouragement.
Nancy Mosley is a compassionate advocate for positive patient experiences and accessibility related to the hospital’s Captain’s Café coffee bar, making her the recipient of the Volunteer Value Award for Lead with Empathy. Mosley connects with customers on a personal level to better understand their needs and continually improve service. She has a natural ability to listen with compassion and respect, and always demonstrates a willingness to go above and beyond for customers.
As part of seeking excellence through continuous improvement and innovation, Julie Quesnelle is the recipient of the Volunteer Value Award for Think Forward. Although Quesnelle is a fairly new volunteer within the past 18 months, Quesnelle has demonstrated a forward-thinking approach in the Captain’s Café coffee bar, constantly seeking innovative solutions to enhance the customer experience. Her proactive attitude and commitment to positive change reflect her dedication to GBGH and the people the hospital serves.
In addition to the volunteers who work in the hospital, there are other volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes, including on GBGH’s patient and family advisory council and the board of directors. The hospital acknowledges and thanks these volunteers for all their contributions to helping GBGH achieve its purpose — we make excellent care personal.
GBGH is continually looking to recruit new volunteers to donate their time in numerous roles throughout the hospital. To learn more and apply online, please visit gbgh.on.ca/join-our-teams/volunteers.
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