Western Health has introduced the Volunteer Meals Assistance Program to address issues raised from research conducted in Victorian Public Hospitals which found that over 40% of inpatients were either malnourished or at risk of malnourishment.
A Program to address this concern has operated in The Williamstown and Footscray Hospitals since 2015 and will be introduced into The Sunshine Hospital in August 2016.
Volunteers are sought for VMAP at Sunshine, Footscray and Williamstown Hospitals to help patients open food & drink containers, butter bread and provide social interaction with a strong emphasis on encouraging patients’ food intake.
An in-service training program for volunteers is provided by Nutrition Department staff to prepare them for their role. Two volunteers per ward per day are required from Monday – Friday over the lunchtime period, typically 11.30am – 1.30pm. Note a minimum 12 month commitment is required please. We will be trialling a dinner volunteer support VMAP program and are seeking volunteers to assist between 4.00pm - 6.00pm.
If you can spare a couple of hours per week to assist please contact:
Eve Repo,
Coordinator of Volunteers,
Footscray Hospital
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 8345 6431
Kerry Shanahan,
Coordinator of Volunteers,
Sunshine Hospital
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 8395 9091
Fiona Halse,
Coordinator of Volunteers,
Williamstown Hospital
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 9393 0206
Please note volunteers will be required to complete application, immunisation, and police check forms, attend an interview and be prepared to undergo orientation to Western Health and mandatory training modules.
A firm commitment to the volunteer program is required and work placement or placement for tertiary education is not able to be offered.
