RICHMOND HILL, ON – At York Central Hospital, volunteers are key team members and have always played an important part of the hospital experience for patients, families, staff and physicians. From offering a lending hand to raising funds, their contributions are a key part of the hospital working experience.
In recognition of National Volunteer Week (April 15-22), the hospital will host events and activities to thank and honour the hospital’s more than 900 volunteers. Volunteers work in more than 50 areas of the hospital, with staff, with patients or to raise funds to purchase medical equipment. In the last year, York Central Hospital volunteers have provided more than 90,000 hours of service. To date, the Volunteer Association has raised more than $4.6 million.
“Volunteers not only bring support to staff and patients, but have become friends and great advocates of the organization,” says Altaf Stationwala, the hospital’s President and CEO.
“The hospital experience would not be the same without their support and dedication.”
50 years of dedication
In January of 2012, The Volunteer Association of York Central Hospital marked the 50th anniversary of the Association, celebrating half a century of dedication to the hospital and community through in-hospital caring and community fund raising events. Hospital volunteers come from across Southwest York Region and give of their time and talents to support patient care at the hospital and lend a hand wherever needed. York Central Hospital is honoured to have volunteers who have contributed to the benefit of the local community for over 50 years.
Provincial Survey shows high volunteer satisfaction at York Central Hospital
In November 2011, York Central Hospital’s volunteers participated in the Standardized Volunteer Opinion Survey of Ontario. Thirty-nine hospitals from across the province participated with a total of 8445 hospital volunteers answering questions about their hospital volunteer experience.
Four hundred and eleven, about five per cent of all respondents, were from York Central Hospital. They spoke loudly and clearly about the compassionate, important and fulfilling work they do at York Central Hospital. They also indicated overwhelmingly that they would recommend volunteering at the hospital.
In the survey, volunteers were asked questions about seven different dimensions with their answers based on their own personal experience. Dimensions included Volunteer Experience, Orientation, Recognition, Learning Environment, Team Work, Patient Safety and General Safety.
York Central Hospital scored “above average” in six out of the seven dimensions.
York Central Hospital was a high performer on 4 different questions:
- York Central Hospital provides a welcoming culture to all volunteers
- Volunteers’ contribution supports staff in their work
- Staff give regular feedback to volunteers
- Staff give support and direction to volunteers
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Media Opportunities During Volunteer Week
Wednesday, April 18 - Unveiling of gifts to Volunteer Association in recognition of 50 years of service from York Central Hospital and York Central Hospital Foundation
10:00 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.
Berwick Family Auditorium, D-Wing, level 1
Sunday, April 22 – York Central Hospital Volunteer Luncheon and Awards Ceremony
12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Thornhill Golf and Country Club - 7994 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill
50 Years of Volunteering at York Central Hospital
January 2012
Volunteer Association of York Central Hospital celebrates 50 years of service and fundraising for southwest York Region.
December 2010
Hospital’s new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit opens thanks in large part to the $1 million pledge made by Volunteer Association to raise funds to make this project a reality.
April 2009
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) opens in the hospital’s new D-Wing with major funding from the Volunteer Association.
1998
New uniforms introduced in gender neutral forest green
1996
Changed name to Volunteer Association of York Central Hospital
January 1962
First meeting of Volunteer Auxiliary (now Volunteer Association)
York Central Hospital Backgrounder
About York Central Hospital:
- 506-bed hospital located in one of Canada’s fastest growing communities
- The Hospital has more than 85,000 visits annually to its Emergency Department
- York Central Hospital serves more than 500,000 people in Southwest York Region
- and beyond
- The Volunteer Association currently has more than 900 members
- Last year, volunteers contributed more than 90,000 of service hours at the hospital
- The Volunteer Association has provided more than $4.6 Million in donations to York
- Central Hospital Foundation, since the Foundation began in 1974.
- York Central Hospital is working to create a Major Regional Health System for Southwest York Region that will include building a new hospital in Vaughan and further
- development of the existing York Central Hospital. Volunteers will play a key role as we work toward this new reality.