Volunteer of the Year
This award is for an exceptional volunteer who demonstrates dedication and commitment to making a difference in the lives of patients, carers, visitors and staff within SMHS.
2024 finalists
Dee Rodgers – Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group (FSFHG)
Dee’s commitment has been vital in providing Fremantle Hospital patients with continued access to safe, quality hydrotherapy treatment.
Hydrotherapy patients are often at risk for falls or have a fear of future falls. Dee’s ability to put patients at ease significantly lessens their apprehension about starting hydrotherapy as part of their treatment journey.
Her compassion and empathy reassure patients they can learn their exercises gradually and in a safe environment. Her encouragement also supports their mental health and wellbeing, with many patients feeling more positive and uplifted after treatment.
Dee became an inaugural member of the FSFHG Allied health hydrotherapy team after accepting an invitation to upskill to support hydrotherapy classes for Fremantle Hospital patients. She also played a vital role in inspiring other volunteers to join her on this journey.
No matter who needs attention and support, Dee can be relied upon to go above and beyond.
Kerry Elder – FSFHG
Kerry’s consumer-oriented insight has added a truly unique dimension to the Fremantle Hospital V block mental health expansion project.
Kerry’s authenticity, life experience and insight into care delivery have proved invaluable to the project. Her engagement with mental health consumers and consumer networks inspired changes which will benefit both current and future consumers, including access to open spaces, technology and state-of-the-art fixtures and fittings. This collective consumer voice also contributed to an exemplary model of care which will attract prospective staff.
Kerry’s ability to connect meaningfully with others is a gift – she speaks to the heart, embracing individuals across cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, ways of thinking and experiences.
A role model for the growing mental health volunteer group, the strong working relationships Kerry forged with community inpatients, staff and volunteers has also enabled the successful employment of peer support workers. Her willingness to share her own mental health journey throughout the project has also not only been cathartic but enabled positive outcomes for future consumers.
Marie Paterson – Rockingham Peel Group
Marie has been an almost constant presence at Murray District Hospital since it opened in 1952, transitioning from a respected nurse and midwife to a cherished volunteer of 50 years.
Through decades of coordinated fundraising efforts, Marie secured much-needed equipment to enhance the experience of countless patients and families. Her holistic approach to volunteering also recognised kind words and a listening ear as equally valuable across the patient journey.
As the hospital’s focus moved to inpatient geriatric medicine and restorative care, Marie’s lived experience shone through her commitment to providing companionship and reassurance for patients with cognitive impairment. At what can be a disorienting and confusing time for these patients, Marie reminisced with them about their work, family and life experiences.
Marie's dedication and service to her local hospital extends beyond longevity – it reflects a genuine and lifelong legacy of compassion and its profound impact on the local community.
See other 2024 Excellence Award finalists.